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The  GOVERNOR'S  GARDEN 


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GOVERNOR'S 
Garden 


®  A  Relation  of  Some  Paflages  in  the  Life  of  @ 

j?o%  i?gt 

@,  His  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinjbn,  fometime  ^ 
§  Captain-General  and  Governor-in-Chief  of  $ 


Majeflys  Province  of  MaJJachuJetts  Bay. 

^**  *«* 

@  -  —  @ 

|  BY  GEORGE  R.  R.  RIVERS  | 


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®  Publilhed  at  ^^0»,  in  7V<?w  England,  ® 

^  by  Little,  Brown,  and  Company,  in  the  ^ 

Year  of  O«r  Lord  MDCCCXCVIII 


Copyright,  1896,  by  G.  R.  R.  Rivers 

PS 
Z7I8 


To 

THE  DEAR  MISTRESS  OF 
THE  GARDEN 


TO  THE  READER. 

HAVING  fpent  moft  of  my  Life  on  the  Ejlate  in 
Milton  once  owned  by  Governor  Hutchinfon, 
and  during  my  Childhood  having  been  told  its 
Hiftory  and  Traditions,  I  have  always  promifed  myfelf 
that  at  fame  time  I  would  write  a  Story  in  which  thefcenes 
I  have  known  fo  long  fhould  have  a  central  place.  This  lit 
tle  Book  is  the  fulfilment  of  this  Promife,  and  perhaps  there 
will  be  thofe  who  will  read  it  on  account  of  old  AJfociations, 
if  not  for  the  Story. 

The  Hi/tor  tea  I  Portions  are,  I  believe,  in  accordance  with 
Facts.  I  think  I  have  given  to  Mr.  Hutchinfon  his  true 
Character,  although  even  to-day  there  are  thofe  who  have 
not  found  it  out.  There  were  Tories  as  fencer  e  as  were  the 
Patriots,  and  the  characters  I  have  introduced  to  repre- 
fent  the  Former  are  but  examples  of  the  many  honeft,  con- 
fcientious  Perfons  who  gave  up  home  and  friends,  becaufe 
they  would  not  abandon  their  Convictions. 
There  is  a  Tradition  that  there  was,  at  fame  remote  time, 
a  Subterranean  Pajfage  leading  from  the  Governor's  House 
to  the  Neponfet  River.  I  never  jaw  it,  but  perhaps  I  may 
be  excufed  for  believing  what  was  told  me  when  I  was  a 
Boy.  I  only  hope  that  my  Readers  will  have  the  fame  confid 
ing  Truft,  and  believe  all  I  tell  them. 
I  have  received  moft  valuable  Ajjijiance  from  the  various 
works  I  have  confulted,  but  my  greateft  thanks  go  out  to 
my  beloved  Aunt,  who  for  more  than  half  a  century  has 
known  the  dear  old  Place,  its  Garden,  and  its  Traditions. 
The  Silhouettes,  I  mujl  add  in  fairnefs  to  the  Reader,  are 
mojlly  imaginary,  and  were  the  diverjion  offorne  idle  Mo 
ments.  I  offer  my  Work  for  what  it  is  worth,  trufting  that 
there  will  be  thofe  found  to  whom  it  will  be  a  pleafure  to 
pafs  an  hour  in  the  Governor'1  s  Garden. 

GEORGE  R.  R.  RIVERS. 


The 
GOVERNOR'S  GARDEN 


T  /»  which  the  Reader  is  in- 
1.  traduced  to  the  Hoft  of  the 
White  Cock  Tavern  and  to  fame  other  Perfons  of  import 
ance  in  this  Hijtory. 

ON  NEW  YEAR'S  EVE,  1773,  Caleb 
White,  the  keeper  of  the  White  Cock 
Tavern,  was  busying  himself  in  getting 
his  rooms  in  readiness  for  such  guests 
as  might  arrive  during  the  evening,  some  of  them 
to  spend  the  time  in  conversing  upon  matters  then 
uppermost  in  all  minds,  others  to  warm  themselves 
by  the  broad  open  fireplace,  upon  whose  iron  dogs 
the  oak  logs  blazed  cheerily.  The  night  was  clear 
and  cold,  and  the  ground  covered  with  snow,  so 
that  no  doubt  many  would  take  advantage  of  the 
comforts  offered  by  the  inn  during  the  next  few 
hours. 

In  the  middle  of  the  hall  stood  a  large  oak  table, 
upon  which  White  had  placed  a  bowl  filled  with 
steaming  punch.  Around  this  he  was  arranging  va 
rious  dishes  with  which  to  tempt  the  hungry.  The 
room  looked  cheerful,  the  long  mirror  opposite 
the  fireplace  reflecting  its  brightness,  making  it 
seem  double  its  size.  He  glanced  about  him  and 
appeared  satisfied,  and  after  lighting  the  candles, 
and  consulting  the  tall  clock  in  the  corner,  he 
[i]  knocked 


2          'The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

knocked  at  the  door  of  one  of  the  small  rooms 
and  was  admitted. 

The  tavern  was  a  long,  low,  wooden  building,  of 
one  and  a  half  stories.  Its  architecture  was  that  of 
the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  which 
we  may  call  colonial,  although  our  idea  of  a  colo 
nial  house  has  become  somewhat  vague  since  mod 
ern  architects  have  attempted  to  reproduce  it.  It 
stood  near  the  highway,  leaving  only  enough  space 
for  two  tall  elms,  whose  spreading  boughs  com 
pletely  overshadowed  it.  In  front  was  a  narrow 
piazza,  whose  overhanging  roof  was  supported 
by  six  pillars.  The  entrance  was  in  the  middle 
of  the  house  towards  the  road,  and  led  directly 
into  the  hall  which  was  used  as  reception,  dining, 
and  tap-room.  On  one  side  of  this  was  a  room  re 
served  for  private  guests,  which  was  also  some 
times  used  for  secret  meetings  and  committees. 
The  remainder  of  the  house  was  divided  into 
sleeping-rooms,  kitchen,  and  other  household  de 
partments,  and  the  stable  in  the  rear  was  ample 
for  the  accommodation  of  such  equipages  as  sought 
its  shelter.  It  was  situated  at  some  distance  from 
the  Province  House,  in  the  direction  of  Roxbury, 
and  anyone  standing  upon  its  roof  could  see  the 
summit  of  the  Great  Blue  Hill;  Boston  Harbour^ 
with  its  islands  and  castle;  and  Nantasket  Roads. 
The  keeper  of  the  tavern  Caleb  White,  was  of 
Puritan  stock,  and  a  thorough-going  patriot.  He 
was  of  medium  height,  stout,  with  a  round,  cheer 
ful  face,  and  very  popular  with  those  who  visited 
his  inn.  He  had  served  under  Pepperell  at  the  siege 
of  Louisburg^  and  had  been  mentioned  for  brav 
ery, 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.  3 

ery,  and  at  the  end  of  the  French  War  had  come 
to  Boston  to  seek  his  fortune.  For  several  years  he 
worked  at  his  trade,  that  of  a  carpenter,  but  final 
ly,  in  1765,  after  the  death  of  his  father,  he  sold 
the  farm  he  had  inherited,  and  invested  in  the  inn 
in  which  he  now  took  so  much  pride.  He  was  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  and  had 
taken  part  in  that  memorable  demonstration  on 
August  1 4th,  1 765,  when  the  effigy  of  Oliver ',  the 
stamp  officer,  was  carried  through  the  streets  of 
Boston,  and  finally  burned  before  his  house.  But 
to  his  credit  be  it  said  that  he  had  had  no  hand 
in  the  sacking  of  Hutchinsons  house  a  fortnight 
later,  and  had  done  all  in  his  power  to  prevent  it. 
For  though  an  ardent  patriot,  he  would  only  ad 
vocate  violence  as  a  last  resort;  and  this  was  the 
temper  of  all  sound  thinkers  at  that  time.  So 
when  he  came  into  possession  of  the  White  Cock 
Tavern,  the  Sons  of  Liberty  and  those  in  sympathy 
with  them,  flocked  to  it,  and  it  became  one  of 
their  many  headquarters. 

When  he  entered  the  side  room  he  found  seated 
at  the  table  three  young  men  engaged  in  earnest 
conversation.  They  had  arrived  early,  and  were 
given  this  room  where  they  could  talk  without 
interruption.  There  was  little  danger  of  it,  but 
in  those  days  when  the  King's  spies  were  on  the 
watch,  some  caution  was  deemed  necessary.  Be 
fore  Caleb  White,  however,  there  was  no  restraint, 
and  they  continued  without  reserve. 
Charles  Doddridge,  the  oldest  of  the  three,  was 
about  six-and-twenty  years  of  age,  tall  and  fair, 
with  a  look  of  determination  and  eagerness  in  his 

large 


4          'The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

large  blue  eyes.  A  Boston  boy,  he  had  entered  his 
father's  counting-house  at  an  early  age.  He  had 
seen  the  latter's  fortune  disappear,  and  his  health 
break  down,  until  finally  he  died.  For  he  had  fore 
seen  that  the  ties  which  bound  the  Colonies  to  the 
mother  country  would  soon  be  burst  asunder,  and 
this,  together  with  his  decaying  fortune,  and  fail 
ing  health,  had  broken  his  heart.  The  son  had 
joined  the  Sons  of  Liberty^  his  heart  filled  with  bit 
terness,  and  his  mind  with  the  thought  of  punish 
ing  his  country's  enslavers. 
He  was  leaning  on  the  table,  shading  his  eyes 
from  the  candle  with  his  hand,  looking  from  one 
of  his  companions  to  the  other  and  speaking  in 
an  animated  voice.  Resting  his  gaze  upon  the  eld 
er,  he  said,  "So  the  Governor  refuses  to  comply 
with  Mr.  Adams's  request.  He  has  then  learned 
no  lessons,  and  imagines  that  we  are  to  be  trod 
den  under  foot  forever.  It  seems  to  me  that  the 
time  has  come  to  rid  ourselves  of  this  King's  pup 
pet,  and  if  his  master  does  not  recall  him,  we  must 
take  matters  into  our  own  hands  and  turn  him  off. 
One  thing  or  the  other  must  happen  before  long." 
"Drive  him  away,  I  say," said  the  younger  of  his 
companions. "  Make  the  place  unbearable  for  him. 
They  talk  of  sending  Gage  to  do  the  dirty  work 
which  the  Governor  dare  not  do  himself;  to  shoot 
our  men  and  insult  our  women.  If  we  get  rid  of 
the  master,  the  hireling  can  be  more  easily  han 
dled." 

"Your  idea  is  an  excellent  one,"  answered  Dod- 
dridge.  "But  as  the  coward  has  betaken  himself  to 
his  country  house  in  Milton  to  escape  justice,  it 

will 


His  Excellency 
THOMAS  HUTCHINSON 


The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN.          5 

will  take  more  time  and  trouble  to  reach  him.  The 
snow  is  deep,  and  the  road  wearisome  for  those 
who  go  afoot  instead  of  with  a  coach  and  six.  It 
can  be  done,  though.  It  might  frighten  him  into 
submission  were  we  to  appear  before  his  Milton 
house  in  those  Mohawk  suits  which  did  such  good 
service  a  few  days  ago.  What  is  your  opinion, 
Whittemore?  Would  you  join  us  in  such  an  en 
terprise?" 

The  man  addressed  was  a  strong  contrast  to  Dod- 
dridge.  Although  younger  than  his  friend  by  two 
years,  he  seemed  older,  being  much  more  reserved, 
and  of  maturer  mind.  He  had  been  listening  to 
his  two  friends  without  interrupting  them,  but 
when  questioned  he  answered  slowly,  with  a 
thoughtful  look  in  his  deep-set  black  eyes.  "I 
am  sure  we  have  suffered  enough,  friends,  and 
should  have  redress,  and  I  wish  with  all  my  heart 
that  something  might  be  done  to  lighten  our  bur 
dens.  But  are  we  striking  at  the  root  when  we  at 
tack  the  Governor?  Is  he  doing  his  own  will  or 
that  of  the  government  he  represents?  Is  he  to 
blame  for  the  laws  he  is  obliged  to  enforce?  It 
seems  to  me  that  it  would  be  wiser  to  leave  these 
matters  to  older  heads  than  ours:  those  who  have 
done  so  much  already  will  be  sure  to  do  the  right 
thing  at  the  right  time,  and  will  condemn  any 
violence  or  ill-judged  action.  Our  turn  will  come 
to  strike  sooner  or  later.  In  the  meanwhile  let  us 
be  patient.  It  is  reported  that  General  Gage  is  to 
supersede  the  Governor,  and  perhaps  this  will  be 
a  change  for  the  better.  At  any  rate,  it  can't  be 
much  worse,  so  let  us  wait  before  we  undertake 
anything  more." 

Doddridge 


6          'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Doddridge  had  not  expected  this  answer,  for  he 
had  counted  on  his  friend's  support.  Whittemore 
was  a  Son  of  Liberty,  and  had  often  been  outspo 
ken  against  the  doings  of  government.  But  he  was 
a  patriot,  not  a  fanatic.  He  saw,  as  did  older  men, 
that  acts  of  violence  would  only  harm  the  end  for 
which  they  were  striving,  and  that  it  was  folly  to 
attack  an  innocent  man  who  was  only  doing  what 
seemed  to  him  a  duty.  Doddridge  was  wise  enough 
to  see  that  it  was  useless  to  attempt  to  argue  with 
him,  for  he  evidently  meant  what  he  said.  So  when 
Whittemore  had  finished  speaking  he  replied,  "Per 
haps  you  are  right.  What  can  we  do?  Doesn't  this 
man  deserve  to  be  made  an  example  of?  Howev 
er,  let  us  wait  a  little  while  longer,  and  if  we  are 
patient  he'll  get  his  deserts.  But  I  do  feel  that 
we've  a  right  to  punish  him."  So  saying  he  took 
a  draught  from  his  mug  of  cider  and  leaned  back 
in  his  chair. 

Caleb  White  had  listened  silently  to  the  conversa 
tion,  but  as  their  superior  in  the  Sons  of  Liberty, 
he  said, "Mr.  Whittemore  is  right.  I  have  seen 
most  of  the  troubles  of  this  century,  and  no  good 
has  ever  come  to  us  from  hasty,  unbalanced  ac 
tion.  It  is  better  to  wait.  But  what  you  have  just 
been  saying  reminds  me  of  a  conversation  I  over 
heard  here  a  few  nights  ago.  All  the  guests  had 
gone,  and  I  was  about  to  close  the  tavern  for  the 
night,  when  a  sleigh  drove  up,  and  there  was  a 
knock  at  the  door.  I  opened  it,  and  two  men  well 
wrapped  up  came  in  and  asked  for  hot  spirits. 
While  I  was  serving  them  they  talked  together 
in  a  low  voice,  and  as  they  were  about  to  leave, 

one 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.  7 

one  of  them,  a  very  dark  man,  who  looked  like 
a  Spaniard,  said  in  an  audible  voice,  and  with  a 
slight  accent, '  The  thing  you  suggest  can  be  eas 
ily  done.  My  brother  and  I  have  done  as  much 
before,  and  we  are  not  afraid  to  undertake  it.  He 
is  waiting  for  us  at  the  place  I  spoke  of,  at  the 
foot  of  the  Great  Blue  Hill.  We  will  go  there  first, 
and  then  I'll  find  the  others.  The  Governor  is  in 
Milton,  to  remain  some  days,  and  will  not  suspect: 
our  intentions.'  They  then  left,  taking  the  road 
in  the  direction  of  Milton.  I  gave  the  matter  lit 
tle  thought  at  the  time,  but  since  hearing  what 
you  have  said  it  has  struck  me  that  perhaps  these 
men  had  something  the  same  idea  as  Mr.  Dod- 
dridge" 

"Probably  some  smuggler  planning  how  he  can 
deliver  his  goods,"  said  Whittemore  with  a  smile. 
"But  if  they  have  any  intention  of  scaring  the 
Governor,  it  will  save  Charles  the  trouble,  and  he 
will  be  content  without  mixing  us  all  up  in  it." 
Saying  this  he  and  his  companion  bade  them  good 
night,  and  left  the  tavern.  Soon  after  Doddridge 
left  also,  and  walked  towards  his  home. 
As  he  moved  briskly  along  with  his  cloak  wrapped 
about  him  to  keep  offthe  piercing  northeast  wind, 
his  mind  was  in  an  unsettled  state,  for  the  land 
lord's  story  had  made  a  great  impression  on  him. 
He  knew  that  he  could  in  no  way  get  help  from 
his  two  friends,  so  he  made  up  his  mind  to  look 
in  another  direction  for  assistance,  and  his  thoughts 
turned  towards  the  strangers  whom  Caleb  White 
had  mentioned,  and  he  determined  to  go  the  next 
morning  to  the  Great  Blue  Hill. 

It 


8  Th e    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

It  was  still  early  when  he  opened  the  garden  gate 
leading  to  his  mother's  house,  and  he  knew  by  the 
lights  in  the  window  that  his  mother  and  sister 
were  awaiting  his  return.  As  he  lifted  the  latch  he 
heard  their  voices,  and  for  a  moment  he  forgot  his 
schemes,  for  he  was  deeply  attached  to  them.  Mrs. 
Doddridgewas  well  known  to  the  Sons  and  Daugh 
ters  of  Liberty.  She  was  tall,  and  of  fair  complex 
ion,  with  large  blue  eyes,  whose  expression  was 
often  hard.  Her  mouth  showed  determination, 
even  temper,  but  her  whole  face  could  change  in 
an  instant  for  those  she  loved  or  wished  to  please. 
Still  young,  being  not  more  than  seven-and-forty, 
her  step  was  light  and  elastic,  and  her  graceful 
carriage  made  her  appear  even  younger.  When,  at 
the  age  of  eighteen,  she  wedded  Amos  Doddridge, 
she  had  been  deemed  one  of  the  most  comely  maid 
ens  in  the  town,  and  her  marriage  had  caused  many 
an  aching  heart.  She  had  been  very  happy,  as  well 
she  might  have  been,  for  a  truer,  kinder  husband 
none  could  have  had.  He  was  six  years  her  senior, 
and  in  their  early  married  life  had  every  prospect 
of  amassing  an  ample  fortune,  but  when  he  died 
had  left  little,  save  the  house  in  which  his  widow 
and  children  lived,  and  a  loved  memory.  This 
house  was  not  far  from  Trinity  Church,  being  on 
the  other  side  of  B  ishop's  Alley,  and  had  been  built 
to  please  his  wife,  who  wished  for  more  ample 
grounds  than  they  had  around  their  old  home  near 
Garden  Court  Street. 

As  Charles  entered  the  room  his  mother  was  speak- 
ing  to  a  handsome  girl  of  eighteen.  Unlike  her 
brother,  Dorothy  Doddridge  was  dark,  and  her  man 
ner 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.  9 

ner  reserved.  Though  a  girl,  and  several  years  his 
junior,  events  had  made  a  great  impression  on  her; 
and  she  well  understood  their  position  and  the 
causes  which  had  brought  them  to  it.  But  she  felt, 
as  her  father  had  done,  that  they  must  remain  loyal 
to  the  King,  and  that  nothing  would  be  gained 
by  violence.  Her  mother  believed  that  it  was  this 
King's  laws  that  had  ruined  her  husband's  health 
and  fortune,  and  the  luxury  and  ease  of  those  she 
considered  the  minions  of  the  Crown  exasperat 
ed  her  and  made  her  bitter.  She  thought  Dorothy 
should  agree  to  all  this,  and  was  speaking  of  it 
when  her  son  appeared  and  greeted  them  both. 
"I  am  glad  you  have  come,"  she  said,  her  expres 
sion  changing  to  a  loving  smile.  "Where  have  you 
been  this  evening  ?  At  some  gathering  of  our  faith 
ful  friends,  I'll  warrant,  and  giving  them  good 
advice,  as  you  always  do.  What  do  they  say  to-day? 
Has  Thomas  Hutchinson  heeded  the  warning  and 
decided  to  remove  the  troops,or  is  he  still  obsti 
nate?  It  is  sad  that  one  who  promised  so  much 
should  fail  us  now.  What  a  grief  it  would  have 
been  to  your  father.  But  you  need  not  answer!  I 
see  by  your  expression  that  he  has  again  refused. 
I  expected  as  much,  for  he  lacks  that  courage 
which  makes  the  patriot,  and  he  serves  the  pow 
erful  tyrant  rather  than  the  weak  people."  She 
looked  towards  Dorothy  as  she  spoke,  as  if  to  im 
press  her. 

The  latter  turned  her  head  sadly  towards  her  broth 
er,  as  he  answered, "  You  are  right,  dear  mother. 
He  has  again  refused.  It  is  hopeless  to  expect  any 
thing  from  him,  and  we  must  look  elsewhere.  We 

cannot 


io        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

cannot  and  will  not  submit  longer.  To-morrow  is 
the  New  Year,  and  may  God  grant  us  a  change 
with  its  coming.  But  you  are  both  weary  and  must 
not  sit  up  longer.  I  have  work  to  do  to-night,  and 
in  the  morning  I  must  go  out  before  you  rise,  so 
good-night,  and  God  bless  you  both." 
"Sleep  well,"  answered  his  mother,  "and  may  you 
have  courage  in  the  time  of  need."  So  saying,  she 
and  her  daughter  passed  through  the  large  hall, 
and  up  the  broad  stairway,  leaving  Doddridge  to 
plan  his  journey  to  the  Great  Blue  Hill. 


CHAPTER 


TT     InwhichMr.Jaqutthgoes 

1  1  . 


the  Great  B/ue  HilL 


1 


Great  Blue  Hill,  known  to  the  early 
settlers  as  Massawachusett^  rises  about 
eleven  miles  to  the  south-east  of  Bos 
ton.  One  hundred  and  twenty  years  ago 
it  seemed  much  the  same  to  those  seeing  it  from 
afar  that  it  does  to  us  to-day.  But  one  who  then 
stood  upon  its  summit  could  not  anticipate  the 
changes  in  its  surroundings  which  have  since  tak 
en  place.  Now  one  climbs  it  by  a  broad  road,  and 
the  view  that  spreads  itself  below  him,  over  the 
wide  expanse  of  Massachusetts  Bay  to  the  east, 
toward  Weymouth  and  Plymouth  on  the  south, 
Mount  Wachusett  to  the  west,  by  Middlesex  and 
Essex  to  the  north,  and  back  again  to  the  shores 
of  Cape  Ann,  is  a  view  filled  with  the  busy  life  of 
modern  civilization.  There  are  stretches  of  mead 
ows  and  fertile  fields,  sprinkled  with  towns  alive 
with  buzzing  factories;  the  gaps  between  dotted 
with  farms  and  threaded  with  white  roads  and 
shining  railways,  with  here  and  there  a  winding 
river  spanned  by  bridges,  from  whose  banks  rise 
lofty  buildings  with  smoking  chimneys,  and  on 
whose  waters  float  many  a  craft  of  toil  and  pleas 
ure;  on  the  bay  the  many  lighthouses  and  the 
ever-moving  panorama  of  vessels;  and  around  the 
harbour  the  warehouses,  wharves  and  docks  of  a 
great  maritime  city.  There  are  great  changes  since 
the  date  of  our  story.  Then,  to  be  sure,  there 
were  towns  and  farms,  and  Boston  Harbour  was 
[n]  full 


12        'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

full  of  ships,  but  the  country  was  in  a  state  of 
transition,  and  the  virgin  forests  about  the  Great 
Blue  Hill  still  held  remnants  of  that  race  whose 
existence  was  soon  to  be  a  legend. 
On  the  morning  of  December  26th,  1 773,  a  sleigh 
containing  two  men  muffled  in  furs,  turned  the 
base  of  the  hill  and  stopped  by  the  banks  of  a 
little  lake.  It  was  early,  and  the  sun  was  just  be 
ginning  to  look  over  the  shoulder  of  the  hill, 
causing  the  snow  and  ice  on  the  tree-tops  to  spar 
kle  in  its  rays  like  a  necklace  about  the  pure  white 
throat  of  a  maiden.  As  the  sleigh  stopped  the 
elder  man  said  with  a  peculiar  accent: 
"We  are  near  the  place  now.  It's  on  the  other  side 
of  the  lake,  and  he'll  be  there  soon." 
"I  am  glad  of  that,"  answered  his  companion 
quickly,  "for  I  am  near  frozen  with  this  frosty 
morning  air.  I  trust  we  shall  not  be  long  in  com 
ing  to  an  understanding." 

The  other  made  no  answer,  but  started  on  in  the 
direction  of  the  lake,  which  was  a  little  below 
them  to  the  east.  Driving  over  the  snow  nearly 
to  its  edge,  he  went  down  a  narrow  path  on  to 
its  frozen  surface,  and  crossed  to  the  other  side. 
Lake  Hoosic  Whisick  was  a  small  sheet  of  water, 
and  at  the  time  of  the  Revolution  had  been  little 
disturbed  by  white  settlers,  though  there  were  a 
few  who  had  built  their  houses  within  a  short  dis 
tance  of  it.  But  it  was  a  comparatively  isolated 
spot,  and  its  southern  side,  to  which  the  two  men 
had  driven,  was  wild  and  unbroken.  Densely  wood 
ed,  this  was  in  some  places  difficult  to  reach  from 
the  lake,  for  many  rocks  projected  from  the  shore. 

The 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         13 

The  driver  knew  the  place  well,  however,  and 
found  no  trouble  in  making  a  landing  where  the 
shore  was  flat  and  there  was  an  opening  between 
the  overhanging  pines.  He  went  on  a  few  rods 
and  then  alighted  from  the  sleigh,  requesting  his 
companion  to  do  the  same,  and  led  the  horse 
still  further  into  the  forest,  until  they  reached  an 
open  space.  Here  he  fastened  the  animal  to  a  sap 
ling  and  conducted  his  fellow-traveller  to  a  shel 
tered  spot,  where  they  spread  their  furs  and  seated 
themselves,  to  await  the  arrival  of  the  person  they 
had  come  to  meet. 

The  elder  of  the  two,  a  man  of  about  five-and- 
forty,  was  dark,  and  might  when  muffled  in  his 
furs  and  in  an  uncertain  light,  have  been  mistak 
en  for  a  Spaniard.  But  in  the  winter  sunlight  it 
was  easy  to  discern  the  straight  hair  and  the  cop 
per-colored  complexion  of  an  Indian.  His  dress 
was  that  of  a  sailor,  and  when  he  spoke  it  was 
in  good  English,  though  with  an  accent.  His 
face  was  heavy  and  disagreeable,  with  penetrating 
hawk-like  eyes,  looking  out  from  beneath  scowl 
ing  brows.  He  wore  gold  earrings,  and  his  hands 
showed  that  they  were  no  strangers  to  the  hal 
liards  and  mainbrace. 

His  companion  was  a  young  man,  of  slight  fig 
ure,  with  flaxen  hair  and  blue  eyes,  and  with  that 
set  of  jaw  which  indicates  a  strong  will  and  a  bad 
temper.  It  was  evident  from  his  drawn  brows  that 
his  mind  was  weighed  down  by  some  affair  of  im 
portance  and  difficulty,  and  he  rose  every  now 
and  then  and  walked  up  and  down  impatiently. 
At  last  stopping  before  the  other  he  said  irrita 
bly, 


14        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

bly,  "Isn't  he  coming  soon?  I  have  promised  you 
fifty  pounds,  if  you  succeed  in  getting  the  tea 
safely  landed.  Isn't  that  sufficient  inducement  for 
haste?  The  brig  should  be  near  land  by  now,  and 
every  moment  is  precious,  and  here  we  wait, 
wasting  time.  What  do  you  intend  doing?  Tell 
me  now." 

Fixing  him  with  his  sharp  eyes,  the  other  an 
swered  coolly,  "In  the  first  place,  Mr.  Jaquith,  I 
intend  that  you  shall  pay  me  the  fifty  pounds 
here,  and  further  swear  that  you'll  not  allow  us 
to  be  known  in  the  matter  should  it  fail.  After 
you've  done  that  you'll  learn  our  plans,  and  we'll 
do  our  best  to  satisfy  you.  Here  he  comes,  so 
you'll  not  have  to  wait  long  for  information." 
When  Jaquith  looked  up  he  saw  a  tall,  wild-look 
ing  Indian  approaching  them.  He  scanned  both 
the  men,  and  going  up  to  his  brother  asked  in 
words  the  white  man  did  not  understand,  "What 
brings  you  to  this  lonely  place,  when  you  can  have 
all  the  comforts  of  the  town?  Have  you  some 
undertaking  in  which  this  young  gentleman  is 
interested?  If  so,  let  me  know  it,  and  I  will  aid 
you  if  there  is  good  profit  in  it." 
"You  have  guessed  right,"  answered  the  other. 
" Now  are  you  ready  to  pay  us? "  he  said,  address 
ing  Jaquith  in  English.  The  latter  answered  by 
taking  a  bag  from  beneath  his  cloak  and  handing 
it  to  the  speaker. 

"I  will  count  it  later,"  said  the  Indian,  placing 
it  behind  him.  "The  weight  seems  good,  and  that 
is  sufficient  now.  I'll  tell  you  my  plan,  and  my 
brother  will  thus  learn  what  we  are  to  do.  You 

say 


T'he   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         15 

say  the  vessel  consigned  to  you  is  due  in  a  few 
days,  and  has  orders  to  cast  anchor  off  Nantasket 
Roads  until  nightfall,  and  at  a  given  signal  the 
tea  is  to  be  sent  in  boats  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Neponset  River.  Our  duty  is  to  get  it  and  the  rest 
of  her  cargo  to  land,  and  finally  into  your  posses 
sion  without  the  knowledge  of  the  authorities.  I 
believe  that  is  what  you  require  of  us.  But  remem 
ber  that  it  is  a  perilous  task,  and,"  he  added  with 
a  cunning  smile,  "if  it  fails  we  had  no  part  in  it." 
"That's  agreed,"  answered  Jaquith  impatiently, 
"but  your  plan,  your  plan.  Time  passes,  and  it 
must  be  settled." 

"It  is  this,"  answered  the  Indian.  "After  dark, 
when  the  boats  arrive,  my  brother  and  I  will  be, 
with  some  others,  at  the  bend  in  the  river,  near 
the  Governor's  land  in  Milton.  We'll  then  carry 
the  goods  to  a  place  of  security  we  know  of,  from 
whence  you  can  take  them  when  you  see  a  favora 
ble  opportunity.  Does  this  please  you  ?  It  will  be 
necessary  to  divert  the  attention  of  the  Governor 
and  sentries,  but  you  leave  that  to  us,  and  I  prom 
ise  you  it  shall  be  well  done." 
"'Twill  do  well  enough  if  it  succeeds,"  answered 
Jaquith.  "I  do  not  know  what  methods  you  in 
tend  to  employ,  nor  on  the  whole  do  I  care  so  long 
as  the  result  is  satisfactory.  Does  your  brother 
agree?" 

The  Indian  answered  with  a  nod.  "Very  well, 
then,"  he  continued,  "I'll  leave  you  to  arrange 
matters,  and  I'll  return  to  town  to  get  the  news. 
You  have  horses  and  can  ride  there.  But  remem 
ber  that  I've  paid  you,  and  do  your  best." 

The 


1 6         'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

The  Indian  made  no  answer,  but  pouring  the 
money  out  of  the  bag  began  counting  it  careful 
ly.  Jaquith  returned  to  the  sleigh,  and  was  soon 
slowly  making  his  way  out  of  the  woods,  across 
the  lake,  and  on  towards  Boston. 


CHAPTER 


the  Jieps  of  Mr.  Jaquith. 


TTT     ^n  wkich  we  find  Mr. 
111.  Doddridge  following  in 


1 


sun  rose  fair  on  New  Tear's  Day, 
1774.  It  was  just  light  as  Charles 
Doddridge  descended  to  the  dining 
room  where  he  found  breakfast  ready 
for  him,  and  a  few  minutes  later,  having  put  a 
flask  of  wine  into  his  pocket,  he  went  to  the  sta 
ble  and  saddled  and  bridled  his  horse. 
The  morning  breeze  cooled  his  head  as  he  rode 
along  New  bury  Street,  and  he  found  himself  won 
dering  if  his  was  not  a  foolish  errand;  if  Whitte- 
more  was  not  right ;  and  if  it  would  not  be  more 
reasonable  to  leave  the  matter  to  others,  and  let 
things  take  their  natural  course.  Nevertheless  he 
rode  on  over  Orange  Street,  and  out  of  the  town, 
by  the  old  fortifications  and  across  the  Neck,  un 
til  the  blue  crest  of  Massawachusett  came  in  full 
view.  Then  all  his  old  feelings  returned,  and  he 
headed  his  horse  in  that  direction. 
He  had  finally  reached  the  base  of  the  hill,  and 
was  about  to  turn  into  a  path  which  showed  signs 
of  recent  travel,  when  he  heard  a  voice  among  the 
trees.  Turning  in  its  direction,  he  saw  an  Indian 
boy  standing  with  his  head  thrown  back,  and 
looking  towards  the  crest  of  the  hill.  He  had  a 
proud  look  on  his  dark  face,  mingled  with  a  cer 
tain  sadness,  and  his  black  eyes  were  flashing  as 
he  kept  them  fixed  on  the  sight  before  him.  From 
where  he  stood  he  could  see  the  mass  of  oaks  and 
pines  reaching  to  the  summit  of  the  hill,  and  be 
yond  the  bright  blue  winter  sky,  broken  here  and 
[17]  there 


i8        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

there  by  ribbons  of  white  cloud.  He  had  in  one 
hand  a  bow;  in  the  other  a  rabbit  he  had  shot. 
As  he  stood  he  swayed  his  body  gracefully  from 
side  to  side,  keeping  measure  with  a  song,  or 
rather  chant,  learned  from  his  father,  who  had 
been  taught  it  by  his  father's  father.  This  is  what 
the  song  said: 

Majfawachufett,  mountain  fair, 
The  blue  hued  mantle  Around  thy  breaft 
Protects  the  wild  fox  in  his  lair, 
Gives  Jhelter  to  the  eagle's  neft. 

About  thy  feet  the  waters  clear 
RefleSt  thy  image  in  their  deeps, 
Upon  whofe  furface  without  fear 
In  peaceful  reft  the  wild  duck  jleeps. 

Thy  fpirit  from  its  granite  home 
Has  viewed  the  ages  gone  before, 
Will  know  the  ages  yet  to  come 
When  our  proud  race  Jhall  live  no  more. 

And  when  our  wigwam 's  swept  away, 
Our  tribe'' s  laft  warrior* s  fought  his  fight, 
Thy  fpirit  will  recall  the  day 
On  which  thy  children  firft  f aw  light. 

When  all  was  peace,  and  joy,  and  life, 
When  hunter's  call,  when  young  brave's  Jhout 
Rang  through  the  for  eft  in  that  ft  rife 
That  put  the  Tarratines  to  rout. 

Maffawachufett,  Great  Blue  Hill, 
In  thy  fond  care  our  pajt  we  leave, 
That  when  we  fall,  thou  standing  still 
In  lafting  web  our  tale  may  weave. 

Doddridge  remained  quietly  seated  in  his  saddle 
until  the  last  strain  of  the  boy's  song  had  died 
away,  and  then  rode  towards  him.  It  occurred  to 

him 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         19 

him  that  this  lad  might  give  him  the  information 
he  sought,  or  else  diredt  him  to  someone  who 
could  do  so.  He  called  to  him.  The  boy  turned 
and  Doddridge,  seeing  that  he  had  an  intelligent 
face,  and  a  friendly  demeanor,  said  to  him:  "Can 
you  tell  me,  my  lad,  whether  a  sleigh  containing 
two  men,  one  of  them  of  very  dark  complexion, 
has  passed  this  way  within  the  last  few  days?  I 
want  to  find  them."  The  lad  answered  slowly,  and 
in  a  sweet  voice,  "I  don't  know,  sir.  I'll  ask  my 
father.  He's  in  there,"  he  added,  pointing  to  the 
forest.  Doddridge  held  out  a  shining  shilling, 
and  said,  "Lead  me  to  him,  will  you?  I  would 
like  to  speak  with  him."  The  boy  took  the  silver 
with  a  smile,  and  ran  towards  the  woods,  followed 
by  Doddridge. 

The  Massawachusett  tribe  had  generally  been 
friendly  to  the  whites,  and  those  of  them  remain 
ing  at  the  latter  part  of  the  last  century  were  for 
the  most  part  harmless.  So  Doddridge  feared  lit 
tle  danger,  and  kept  on  after  the  boy  without 
hesitation.  Turning  to  the  left  the  youth  led  him 
through  the  woods  by  a  well-trodden  path.  The 
boughs  were  heavily  laden  with  snow  and  ice,  and 
in  some  places  he  was  obliged  to  bend  low  over 
the  horse's  neck  to  avoid  being  lashed  by  them. 
After  going  a  few  rods  the  trail  widened,  making 
the  passage  less  difficult.  They  began  to  ascend, 
and  in  the  course  of  a  few  minutes  reached  a 
species  of  plateau  on  the  southern  side  of  the 
hill.  Stopping  to  rest  his  horse,  Doddridge  looked 
about  him.  Before  him,  to  his  left,  and  behind 
him,  was  a  dense  forest  of  pine,  oak,  and  hem 
lock. 


2O        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

lock.  Casting  his  eyes  to  the  right,  however,  a 
sight  greeted  him  which  filled  him  with  admira 
tion.  At  his  right  was  a  steep  descent  between 
the  trees,  broadening  as  it  reached  the  base  of  the 
hill,  and  forming  a  ravine,  which,  with  its  pro 
jecting,  moss-covered  boulders,  was  evidently  the 
forsaken  bed  of  some  mountain  torrent  that  had 
torn  its  way  to  the  waters  of  Lake  Hoosic  W 'hi 'sick. 
Below  him  was  the  frozen  Jake  separating  the 
hill  from  the  forest,  which  was  broken  here  and 
there  by  open  spaces  filled  in  with  little  villages 
that  showed  signs  of  life  and  industry  in  strange 
contrast  with  their  surroundings;  near  the  forest 
was  the  meadow  with  its  tiny  stream  flowing 
slowly  toward  the  north  to  meet  the  river  further 
on;  and  beyond  all  this  the  forest  again,  backed 
by  the  rolling  hills  along  the  south-western  ho 
rizon. 

Even  now  comparatively  few  see  this  landscape 
in  winter,  and  a  century  and  a  quarter  ago  the 
ride  was  rarely  undertaken.  But  on  this  day,  al 
though  the  snow  was  deep  it  had  not  so  blocked 
the  ways  that  a  sure-footed  horse,  well  guided, 
could  not  follow  them. 

As  Doddridge  looked  around  he  thought  that  this 
was  but  a  small  part  of  that  beautiful  land  upon 
which  his  forefathers  had  planted  that  tree  which 
an  unworthy  King  was  hewing  down  with  the 
sharp-edged  tools  of  unjust  legislation.  His  heart 
revolted  at  the  thought,  and  his  determination 
to  dull  one  of  these  tools,  and  to  make  it  useless 
in  the  hands  of  the  destroyer,  became  stronger 
within  him,  and  he  motioned  to  the  boy  to  has 
ten  on. 

They 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        21 

They  again  passed  under  the  snow-clad  shade  of 
the  forest,  and  in  a  few  moments  found  them 
selves  in  the  centre  of  another  flat  space,  which, 
unlike  the  first,  was  shut  in  and  overshadowed  by 
the  trees.  Before  them  was  a  low  hut,  built  in  a 
primitive  manner  of  old  timbers  and  boards,  with 
here  and  there  a  hewn  log.  It  was  one  of  the  re 
sults  of  the  civilizing  influence  of  the  Europeans, 
and  intended  to  be  a  copy  of  a  white  man's  house. 
Under  a  shed  were  two  shaggy  horses;  and  two 
or  three  dark-faced,  black-eyed  little  mortals 
were  wading  about  in  the  snow,  stopping  a  mo 
ment  to  stare,  with  a  look  of  stolid  indifference, 
at  the  stranger  as  he  rode  up.  The  Indian  boy 
gave  a  peculiar  call,  and  his  father,  the  brother 
of  Jaquittis  Indian,  appeared.  He  met  Doddridge 
with  a  look  far  from  reassuring,  in  which  some 
curiosity  was,  however,  apparent  in  spite  of  the 
sullen  ugliness  of  his  expression. 
As  he  approached  nearer,  Doddridge  dropped  from 
the  saddle,  giving  the  bridle  to  the  boy,  and  said, 
"A  few  nights  ago  a  man  stopped  at  the  White 
Cock  Tavern.  He  said  that  he  was  going  to  the 
Great  Blue  Hill  to  seek  his  brother.  I  have  ridden 
here  in  search  of  that  man.  Do  you  know  where 
I  can  find  him?"  "  Maybe,"  answered  the  Indian, 
"but  it  will  be  some  trouble,  and  perhaps  you'll 
let  me  know  what  you  want  of  him." 
"  I  am  a  Son  of  Liberty"  answered  Doddridge  bold 
ly,  "and  I  want  him  to  help  me  punish  the  man 
who  is  causing  our  ruin.  Find  him  for  me,  and 
you  shall  be  well  rewarded."  The  Indian  looked 
at  him  with  his  piercing  eyes,  and  answered,  "And 

how's 


22         The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

how's  he  to  know  that  you  are  not  one  of  the 
King's  spies?  It  is  dangerous  to  trust  anyone  in 
these  days.  Give  me  some  token  to  take  to  him, 
and  then  if  I  find  him  he  may  be  willing  to  speak 
with  you." 

"Take  him  this,"  said  Doddridge,  handing  him 
a  little  token  of  his  order,  "and  tell  him  it's  the 
son  of  Mr.  Amos  Doddridge  who  wants  to  speak 
to  him." 

"That's  enough,"  the  Indian  replied,  "and  what 
may  he  expect  if  he  consents  to  do  your  work?" 
"Tell  him  I'll  pay  him  well,"  said  Doddridge,"  and 
ask  him  to  meet  me  at  the  White  Cock  Tavern  to 
morrow  evening,  at  seven  o'clock.  If  he  gives  the 
token  to  the  keeper  he'll  be  admitted." 
So  saying  he  jumped  into  the  saddle,  and  descend 
ed  the  hill  on  his  way  home. 
It  was  now  after  noon,  and  the  sun  would  be  low 
when  he  reached  Boston.  He  had  had  nothing  to 
sustain  him  since  his  departure,  having  avoided 
all  the  inns  on  his  way,  so  he  was  glad  to  head 
towards  home.  He  was  uncertain  what  to  expect 
from  his  excursion,  but  knowing  that  an  Indian 
would  do  much  when  stimulated  by  promise  of 
reward,  he  decided  to  go  to  the  Tavern  on  the 
morrow,  and  trust  to  good  fortune. 
When  he  arrived  at  Summer  Street,  the  sun  was 
setting  red  in  the  west,  and  above  and  around  it 
were  those  fluffy  clouds,  which  in  a  New  England 
winter  foretell  a  storm.  Looking  out  over  the  har 
bour  he  could  see  on  the  eastern  horizon  a  long, 
low,  grey  bank,  and  he  knew  that  the  morrow 
would  bring  snow,  and  probably  a  north-east  gale. 

He 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         23 

He  rode  into  the  stable,  and  having  cared  for  his 
horse,  went  into  the  house  to  seek  some  refresh 
ment.  Then  retiring  to  his  room,  he  was  soon 
asleep. 


CHAPTER 


HowMr.Doddridgeand 
.  Mr.  Jaquith  joined  their 
forces^  and  acquired  an  Ally. 

AS  Doddridge  had  foreseen,  the  tempest 
broke  forth  in  the  night  in  all  its  fury. 
No  land  in  the  world  has  more  severe 
north-east  storms  than  New  England 
in  January,  and  this  was  one  of  the  very  worst. 
The  trees  snapped,  chimneys  toppled,  and  the 
shipping  ready  to  sail  hugged  the  harbour,  better 
favoured  than  those  vessels  that  were  struggling 
up  the  bay  in  search  of  its  shelter,  many  of  which 
were  destined  to  leave  their  broken  ribs  along  the 
shore.  The  brig  Dreadnau?htt  more  fortunate  than 
many,  had  come  about  before  the  gale  struck,  and 
gained  the  open  sea  again,  where  with  head  up  to 
the  wind  she  braved  its  fury.  She  had  made  a  fair 
voyage  until  that  night,  and  the  master  had 
thought  a  day  or  two  before  that  he  should  pass 
up  the  Roads  in  due  time.  Still  he  reasoned  that 
there  might  be  an  advantage  in  bad  weather,  as 
it  would  be  necessary  for  him  to  avoid  notice  as 
much  as  possible.  He  therefore  decided  to  take 
some  risk,  and  in  the  afternoon,  with  the  storm 
still  raging,  turned  his  brig's  head  toward  shore, 
and  set  sail.  Soon  finding,  however,  that  the  dan 
ger  was  too  great,  he  put  about  again,  and  sought 
the  open  sea. 

The  Dreadnaught  had  proved  to  many  a  priva 
teer  that  she  cared  not  for  wind  and  weather, 
and  could  show  them  her  stern.  So  her  command 
er  felt  secure  in  facing  the  perils  of  the  coast.  She 
[24]  now 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         25 

now  came  from  Havana,  laden  with  merchandise 
consigned  to  Ezra  Jaquith,  of  Boston,  her  cargo 
being  ostensibly  fruits  and  tobacco.  But  hidden 
away  were  a  number  of  chests  of  tea,  on  which 
her  owner  expected  to  make  a  handsome  profit, 
should  he  be  able  to  land  them  safely  and  dispose 
of  them  secretly  among  those  whose  patriotism 
had  as  yet  not  caused  them  to  deny  themselves 
this  luxury. 

John  Carpenter,  the  master,  was  a  hard-looking 
man,  who  had  commanded  the  brig  since  she  was 
launched,  and  was  to  be  relied  upon  as  faithful  to 
her  owner,  and  as  having  a  knowledge  of  her  pow 
ers.  Jaquith,  therefore,  had  no  fear  either  for  his 
vessel  or  her  freight,  or  lack  of  confidence  in  her 
captain.  But  when  this  storm  broke  over  the  bay 
he  could  not  avoid  a  certain  feeling  of  impatience, 
for  he  knew  the  brig  must  be  very  near,  and  he 
wished  the  business  well  over.  He  therefore  hur 
riedly  started  on  foot  towards  Dorchester  Point.  It 
was  late  in  the  afternoon  when  he  reached  the  shan 
ty  in  which  the  Indian  sailor  lived,  and  knocked 
at  the  door.  After  what  seemed  a  long  delay,  an 
ugly,  red-faced  woman  appeared  and  asked  if  he 
was  seeking  Master  Pete,  for  if  so  he  had  been 
gone  from  the  house  for  about  an  hour,  and  had 
left  word  that  he  should  not  return  until  late,  and 
possibly  not  until  the  next  day. 
"And  where's  he  gone?"  inquired  Jaquith  irrita 
bly.  "  This  isn't  weather  in  which  one  goes  a-pleas- 
uring.  Didn't  you  hear  him  say  where  he  was 
going?  I  must  see  him  at  once." 
The  woman  looked  at  him  crossly.  "  I  don't  know 

where 


26         'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

where  he's  gone,  and  I  mightn't  tell  you  if  I  did. 
But,"  added  she,  "his  brother  was  with  him  a 
long  while,  and  I  heard  him  say  '•Elue  Hill,  White 
Cock  Tavern,  and  Summer  Street.'  It  may  be  to 
one  of  those  places  that  he's  gone." 
Jaquith  made  no  answer,  but  went  down  the  stairs 
and  out  of  the  house  muttering,  "It  is  probably 
to  the  tavern  that  they  have  gone,  to  spend  some 
of  my  money.  This  is  a  fine  time  for  them  to  be 
steeping  themselves  in  rum,  when  the  brig  is  near 
due.  I'll  go  home  and  sup,  and  then  to  Caleb 
White's  to  find  him." 

Now  with  the  chance  of  more  gain,  "  Ponkapog 
Pete"  the  Indian  sailor,  had  not  delayed  to  take 
the  token  which  his  brother  had  brought  him,  and 
had  started  at  an  early  hour  in  the  afternoon 
for  the  tavern.  As  he  was  not  due  there  until  sev 
en,  he  first  ascended  the  Heights  and  looked  out 
towards  the  sea,  hoping  that  the  brig  might  be  in 
sight.  But  even  his  storm-hardened  eyes  could  dis 
cern  little  through  the  blinding  sleet,  so  descend 
ing  again  he  started  slowly  towards  the  tavern, 
where  he  arrived  just  as  the  clock  was  striking 
seven. 

When  he  entered  the  hall  White  was  occupied  as 
when  we  first  met  him.  On  catching  sight  of  the 
Indian  he  at  once  recognized  one  of  the  visitors 
of  a  few  nights  before.  "Are  you  the  landlord?" 
asked  the  Indian. 

"Yes,"  answered  White.  "In  what  way  can  I  serve 
you?  I've  ale,  and  mulled  wine,  and  hot  spiced 
spirits  will  be  soon  ready.  Which  will  you  have  ? " 
"I'll  have  a  mug  of  hot  spirits,"  answered  Pete. 

"Take 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         27 

"Take  this  to  its  owner,"  added  he,  handing  him 
the  token. 

As  has  been  said,  Caleb  White  was  a  patriot,  but 
did  not  believe  in  foolish  pranks  and  violence.  It 
was  then  with  some  misgivings  that  he  found  this 
was  the  stranger  whom  Doddridge  had  told  him 
to  admit,  for  he  feared  that  the  young  man  would 
be  involved  in  some  unfortunate  affair.  Neverthe 
less  he  went  to  the  door  of  the  side-room,  knocked 
and  entered.  As  he  re-opened  the  door  a  moment 
later,  Pete  heard  him  say, "Be  careful,  Mr.  Dod 
dridge" 

When  White  had  given  him  the  token  Doddridge 
had  started  in  his  chair.  He  had  hoped  that  the 
man  would  be  found,  but  really  did  not  expect  it. 
He  therefore  received  the  Indian  with  some  ex 
citement  and  much  curiosity. 
"You  have  sent  for  me,"  said  Pete,  "and  I  have 
come.  What  do  you  want  of  me?  I  know  you, 
Mr.  Doddridge,  for  I've  sailed  in  your  father's 
ships  to  the  West  Indies,  and  have  often  seen  you. 
What  can  I  do  for  you?  My  brother  has  only  told 
me  that  I  was  overheard  here  the  other  night, 
and  that  your  business  may  be  like  that  of  the 
young  man  who  was  with  me  then.  If  so,  I'm  at 
your  service." 

"I  don't  know  what  your  young  gentleman  wants, 
nor  who  he  is,"  Doddridge  replied,  "but  if  he  de 
sires  to  disturb  Thomas  Hutchinson,  my  wish  is 
the  same.  Can't  you  tell  me  his  business?  I'm  to 
be  trusted  to  keep  it  secret." 
"Perhaps  so,"  answered  the  Indian,  "but  I  don't 
know  that  I  ought  to  tell  what  is  given  to  my 
confidence." 

"Go 


28         'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"Go  on,"  said  Charles,  "you  may  safely  tell  me." 
"You  are  a  Liberty  man,"  began  Pete,  "so  I'll 
speak.  The  young  gentleman  who  was  here  with 
me  a  few  evenings  ago  wants  to  get  some  stuff 
into  the  town  without  the  knowledge  of  the  offi 
cers.  I  used  to  sail  for  his  father  as  well  as  yours, 
so  he  sent  for  me.  We  are  to  get  the  goods  in  by 
the  Neponset  River,  but  as  all  will  be  on  the  look 
out  we  must  get  the  authorities  on  another  tack, 
and  I  have  been  thinking  how  to  steer  the  busi 
ness.  You  wish  to  annoy  the  Old  Man,  don't  you  ? 
Can't  we  splice  plans,  and  all  hands  heave  to 
gether?" 

"I  hoped  something  of  that  nature  was  contem 
plated  by  you,"  answered  Doddridge,  "and  that's 
why  I've  looked  you  up.  Wouldn't  it  be  easy  to 
repeat  the  war-dance  of  two  weeks  ago  before  the 
Governor's  house  in  Milton,  but  with  real  Indians? 
He  is  a  coward,  and  has  some  protection  about 
him,  but  if  I  can  have  the  satisfaction  of  seeing 
some  of  his  pretty  friends  frightened,  and  him 
self  shaken  up  a  bit,  I  shall  be  content  for  the 
present.  For  I  wish  to  do  all  I  can  to  drive  him  from 
the  land  he  has  betrayed,  and  by  perseverance  this 
can  be  accomplished." 

"It  can  be  done,"  said  the  other.  "Our  tribe  of 
ten  cruise  from  house  to  house,  begging  and  dan 
cing.  I'll  take  bearings  and  set  the  course." 
"Good,"  said  Doddridge.  "Here's  the  money  I 
promised  you.  I  will  give  you  more  after  the  en 
tertainment.  Hold  a  minute,  I  think  I  hear  a 
friend's  voice  in  the  hall.  If  I'm  right,  I'll  bring 
him  here,  for  he  is  of  my  mind,  and  will  do  noth 
ing 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        29 

ing  to  prevent  the  carrying  out  of  my  plans. 
Ezra,"  he  called  through  the  open  door,  "come 
in  here  and  have  some  wine  with  me.  I  have  a 
friend  here,  and  I've  something  to  tell  you." 
"All  right,  Charles!  "  said  Jaquith,  but  as  he  en 
tered  the  room  he  stopped  suddenly  and  looked 
at  Doddridge  s  companion.  The  latter  also  started. 
After  standing  silent  for  half  a  moment,  Jaquith 
said,  "I  came  here  to  find  you,  Pete,  but  this  is 
strange.  I  didn't  know  that  you  knew  Mr.  Dod- 
dridge" 

"I've  known  him  since  he  was  a  boy,"  answered 
Pete,  "and  have  served  his  father  as  I  have  yours, 
and  will  serve  him  also,  if  I  can.  But  I  didn't  know 
that  you  were  his  friend.  Now  as  we're  all  friends, 
I'll  tell  you  that  knowing  that  Mr.  Doddridge 
could  help  us,  I  consulted  him,  and  we  have  agreed 
to  pull  together.  I'll  go  now.  I  can  find  you  here 
later." 

"Wait,"  said  Jaquith,  "I  have  sought  you  here 
to  know  your  opinion  about  the  arrival  of  the 
brig.  Do  you  think  she'll  venture  in,  in  this  weath 
er?" 

"No,"  answered  the  Indian,  "she  will  not  be  off 
the  Roads  until  forty-eight  hours  after  the  storm 
holds  up."  And  with  an  awkward  bow  he  with 
drew. 

When  left  alone  the  two  men  stared  at  one  an 
other  with  a  look  of  surprised  amusement,  and 
each  waited  for  the  other  to  speak.  Finally  Jaquith 
broke  the  silence,  saying: 

"It  is  evident  that  this  fellow  has  told  you  my 
affairs.  I  have  no  objection,  and  am  convinced 

that 


30        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

that  he  has  good  reasons  for  doing  so,  for  he  is 
shrewd  and  has  a  good  opinion  of  the  value  of  his 
head.  But  tell  me  how  you  happened  to  be  here 
together.  Since  you  know  my  business,  won't  you 
let  me  know  yours?" 

"Willingly,"  said  Doddridge,  and  told  him  the 
story. 

"Why,"  said  Ezra,  as  Charles  had  finished,  "you 
found  that  old  rascal,  Pete's  brother.  He  would 
agree  to  murder  a  man  for  a  trifle,  and  he  un 
doubtedly  took  pains  to  communicate  with  Pete 
at  once.  He's  about  as  bad,  and  has  done  some 
irregular  things  for  which  he  would  pay  dearly 
were  they  known.  But  I  have  some  of  his  secrets 
from  my  father,  and  he'll  be  perfectly  docile  in 
my  hands." 

In  a  short  time  the  new  allies  started  off  arm  in 
arm.  The  gale  had  somewhat  subsided,  though  the 
sign-boards  were  still  swinging  vigorously.  Ja- 
quith,  noticing  the  change  in  the  weather,  said 
with  excitement,  "The  brig  will  be  here  within 
two  or  three  days.  We  must  get  all  in  readiness, 
and  Master  Pete  will  no  doubt  hasten  matters  for 
his  own  sake,  for  he  will  be  well  furnished  with 
funds  if  he  succeeds."  By  this  time  they  had  passed 
the  Liberty  Tree  and  turned  into  Essex  Street. 
Taking  a  short  cut  across  John  Rowers  fields  and 
pastures,  they  reached  Mrs.  Doddridgis.  Accept 
ing  with  alacrity  Charleses  invitation  to  visit  his 
mother  and  sister,  Jaquith  entered  the  house,  and 
was  soon  absorbed  in  conversation  with  Dorothy ', 
forgetting  for  the  time  his  various  schemes  and 
plans  in  the  charm  of  her  society. 

CHAPTER 


Wherein  the  fufpicions  of 
feveralPerfons  are  aroufed. 


ON  the  fourth  day  succeeding  the  events 
just  related,  a  horseman  might  have 
been  seen  on  a  high  promontory  over 
hanging  Nantasket  Roads,  anxiously 
looking  down  the  Bay.  He  had  in  his  hand  a  ma 
rine  glass  with  which  from  time  to  time  he  swept 
the  horizon.  It  was  early  afternoon.  The  sky  was 
clear,  the  weather  warm  and  a  gentle  south-west 
breeze  blew  from  the  land  over  the  water.  The 
recently  storm-bound  craft  beat  down  the  harbour 
and  then  stood  out  to  sea. 

The  view  was  beautiful.  Before  him  lay  the  wide 
expanse  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  showing  the  effects 
of  the  lashing  it  had  received  from  the  recent  gale; 
to  his  left  stretched  the  long  white  beach,  and  on 
the  right  was  the  rock-bound  shore  against  which 
the  heavy  waters  fell  with  a  roar  to  be  carried 
back  in  prismatic  spray  with  the  next  incoming 
breaker.  The  horseman  took  little  note  of  this, 
but  fixed  his  gaze  upon  the  south-east, where  now 
and  then  the  top-sails  of  some  incoming  vessel 
appeared  rising  higher  and  whiter  until  its  whole 
form  was  visible. 

He  muttered  impatiently  from  time  to  time,  and 
at  last  said,  "I  wish  she'd  hail  in  sight.  This  is  a 
nasty  business  and  I  want  it  done  with.  The  river 
is  open  now,  but  it  will  be  cold  again  after  this 
mild  weather,  and  if  it  freezes  our  job  is  ended." 
He  had  been  there  for  over  two  hours,  and  as  the 
sun  was  now  sinking  rapidly  in  the  west,  he  was 
[31]  beginning 


32        The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

beginning  to  despair  when  suddenly  he  started  in 
his  saddle.  To  the  casual  observer  this  surprise 
would  have  seemed  unwarranted,  for  nothing  ap 
peared  to  the  naked  eye  but  one  of  those  white 
specks,  the  like  of  which  had  shown  itself  fre 
quently  during  the  day.  But  to  the  Indian  sailor, 
for  it  was  he,  this  white  speck  meant  much,  for 
he  had  recognized  through  his  glass  the  top  spars 
and  sails  of  the  Dreadnaught.  He  waited  a  few 
moments  to  assure  himself  that  there  was  no  mis 
take;  and  then  turning  his  horse's  head  toward 
Milton,  he  descended  the  rocky  cliff,  and  started 
off  at  a  gallop. 

Charles  Doddridge  and  Ezra  Jaquith  had  spent 
most  of  the  last  few  days  in  the  little  room  at  the 
White  Cock  Tavern,  hoping  that  Pete  might  ap 
pear  at  any  moment  with  the  news  they  were  both 
anxiously  awaiting.  They  were  therefore  in  a  very 
nervous  state  by  the  evening  of  January  the  sixth, 
and  Jaquith  said,  excitedly,  "We  ought  to  have 
news  of  the  brig  to-night,  and  I  begin  to  fear  she 
will  not  be  heard  from.  My  God!  If  this  thing 
fails  I  am  ruined,  for  I  have  put  all  into  the  en 
terprise." 

"Don't  be  disheartened,"  said  Charles,  "she  may 
have  put  out  to  sea,  and  the  captain,  knowing  the 
difficulties  he  would  have  to  encounter,  may  have 
decided  to  keep  out  of  sight  until  the  harbour  is 
clear  of  the  shipping  delayed  by  the  storm.  At  all 
events  we  can  only  wait." 

It  was  about  nine  o'clock  when  Jaquith 's  quick 
ear  caught  the  sound  of  a  horse's  gallop  upon  the 
snowy  road,  coming  from  the  direction  of  Mi  If  on, 

and 


Mr.  CHARLES  DODDRIDGE 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         33 

and  soon  after  they  both  heard  it  go  into  the 
stable. 

"That  is  certainly  he,"  said  Jaquith.  "We  shall 
soon  know  the  brig's  fate  now." 
Presently  there  was  a  rap  on  the  door,  and  Pete 
came  in.  He  was  a  weary  looking  man,  and  was 
covered  with  snow  and  ice.  When  he  entered  the 
room  he  threw  himself  into  a  chair,  and  ex 
claimed,  "Give  me  some  hot  spirits,  and  then  for 
the  news."  This  request  being  speedily  granted, 
he  said,  "She's  in  the  bay,  but  she'll  not  come  to 
anchor  to-night.  The  captain  will  stand  off  shore 
again,  now  that  he  knows  he  has  been  seen,  and 
wait  until  to-morrow  night.  I  will  sup  here,  and 
take  some  rest,  and  will  start  for  the  hills  before 
daybreak,  where  they  are  waiting  for  my  orders. 
You  rest  and  be  here  early  to-morrow.  I  will  let 
you  know  when  we  are  ready.  Good-night,  Mr. 
Jaquith;  good-night,  Mr.  Doddridge.  I  must  be 
off." 

As  Charles  and  Ezra  passed  through  the  hall  on 
their  way  out  Caleb  White  said  to  them,  "Is  all 
going  well  ?  I  trust,  Sir,  that  you  will  succeed,  for 
it  is  but  right.  Had  I  recognized  you  under  your 
thick  wraps  the  first  night  you  came  here  with 
your  friend,  I  should  have  known  that  your  in 
tentions  were  patriotic.  But  I  feared  from  what 
I  heard  that  something  foolish  was  on  hand,  and 
I  warned  Mr.  Doddridge.  You'll  forgive  me,Mas- 
ter  Charles,  won't  you?  But  now  I  find  it  is  a  mat 
ter  of  business,  I  beg  that  you'll  make  use  of  my 
inn  to  its  fullest  extent.  It  will  always  be  open 
to  you." 

"I 


34        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"I  thank  you,"  answered  Doddridge^  with  a  feel 
ing  of  shame  at  having  deceived  his  old  friend, 
"we  will  avail  ourselves  of  your  offer.  Give  the 
Indian  what  he  desires,  and  see  that  his  horse  is 
well  cared  for,  for  he  has  travelled  far,  and  will 
have  a  hard  day  to-morrow." 
"I'll  cheerfully  do  what  you  ask,"  answered  White, 
as  they  left  him. 

An  hour  later  Pete  had  supped  and  was  sleeping 
quietly  in  a  little  room  under  the  gabled  roof.  The 
last  guests  were  gone,  and  the  landlord  was  count 
ing  his  day's  gains,  when  a  sleigh  drove  up  to  the 
door,  and  there  came  a  loud  rap  on  the  brass 
knocker.  He  was  surprised,  for  late  hours  were 
not  the  custom  of  his  inn,  yet  he  did  not  hesitate 
to  open.  As  he  did  so  a  tall,  broad-shouldered, 
military-looking  man  stepped  into  the  hall.  He 
was  followed  by  two  others. 
"Is  this  the  White  Cock  Tavern,  and  are  you  the 
keeper?"  asked  the  tall  man,  walking  across  the 
hall,  while  his  two  companions  remained  standing 
by  the  door. 

"At  your  service,"  answered  White,  "but  why  do 
you  ask  in  this  abrupt  manner?  I  thought  every 
one  knew  the  White  Cock,  and  that  all  were  well 
served  here.  What  may  I  do  for  you?" 
"Allow  us  to  search  your  house,"  replied  the  oth 
er.  "Your  tavern  is  suspected  of  being  the  resort 
of  those  who  are  infringing  the  laws,  and  I  am 
armed  with  a  warrant,  which  will  oblige  me  to 
take  a  look  at  your  premises.  For  who  knows  but 
something  contraband  may  be  stored  here.  It  has 
been  so  suggested." 

Caleb 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         35 

Caleb  White  was  not  a  coward,  and  he  knew  the 
search  would  reveal  nothing,  for  he  had  nothing 
to  hide.  But  he  also  knew  that  he  had  under  his 
roof  one  whom  it  was  best  they  should  not  find 
there,  so  he  hesitated  before  answering,  thus  mak 
ing  a  bad  impression  on  the  officers. 
"Why  do  you  say  nothing?"  asked  the  latter; 
"have  we  guessed  right?" 

"No,"  answered  White  calmly,  "I  hesitated  be 
cause  I  knew  that  no  answer  of  mine  would  deter 
you  in  your  business.  We  have  become  accustomed 
to  submit  in  silence  to  the  laws  of  our  good  King 
George.  But  you  are  chilled,  gentlemen,  and  some 
hot  wine  will  warm  you.  I  will  go  down  and  bring 
some  of  my  best  and  brew  it  for  you." 
He  was  civil  in  his  manner,  and  started  through 
the  door  in  the  rear  of  the  hall  without  waiting 
for  an  answer.  Instead,  however,  of  descending  to 
the  cellar,  he  mounted  rapidly  the  steep  stairway. 
When  he  had  reached  the  top  he  turned  through 
a  narrow  passage  at  the  end  of  which  was  a  door 
on  which  he  tapped  lightly.  At  first  there  was  no 
answer,  but  after  a  second  knock  a  voice  said, 
"Who's  there?  What's  wanted?" 
"  The  officers  are  here  with  a  search  warrant.  Make 
haste,  and  when  you  leave  your  room  go  towards 
the  light  I  will  leave  at  the  end  of  the  passage; 
then  down  the  stairs,  and  by  the  rear  door  to  the 
stable,  where  you  can  saddle  your  horse  and  be 
ofF.  They  don't  suspect  that  you  are  here,  but  be 
cautious." 

He  then  went  hurriedly  to  the  cellar  and  fetched 
the  wine.  When  he  returned  to  the  hall  he  found 

that 


36         'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

that  the  three  men  had  not  waited  for  further  in 
vitation,  but  were  engaged  in  examining  the  room 
and  its  contents.  White  fully  realized  the  folly  of 
resistance,  so  smiled  pleasantly  and  began  brew 
ing  the  spiced  wine. 

Pete  was  not  a  timid  man  under  ordinary  circum 
stances,  and  could  fight  his  way  clear  of  any  two 
men.  But  in  this  case  something  besides  his  own 
personal  safety  depended  upon  his  not  being 
searched  or  questioned.  A  large  amount  of  mon 
ey  was  at  stake,  and  in  order  to  get  this  he  must 
accomplish  his  task  without  unnecessary  delay. 
So  he  jumped  from  his  bed,  stole  through  the 
passage,  down  the  stairs  and  quietly  out  to  the 
stable.  He  saddled  and  bridled  his  horse,  and  start 
ing  over  the  snow,  crossed  the  fields  towards  Bos 
ton,  in  order  to  delude  his  pursuers  should  he  have 
any.  As  he  rode  on,  it  became  clear  to  him  that 
some  change  would  have  to  be  made  in  his  plans, 
and  that  if  the  tavern  was  under  surveillance,  it 
would  not  be  safe  to  communicate  with  Jaquith 
and  Doddridge  there,  unless  this  visit  of  the  offi 
cers  was  merely  a  formal  one,  in  which  case  it 
would  be  soon  over,  and  there  would  be  no  dan 
ger  on  the  next  day.  He  did  not  dare  to  notify 
either  of  the  young  men  at  once,  for  it  was  not  yet 
midnight,  and  his  appearance  might  create  suspi 
cion.  Accordingly  he  hitched  his  horse  in  an  un 
frequented  place,  and  started  cautiously  back  on 
foot  towards  the  tavern.  When  he  reached  the 
house  he  crept  round  it  stealthily  until  near  the 
front  door,  and  finding  a  shelter  behind  the  trunk 
of  one  of  the  large  elms,  resolved  to  wait  patient- 

iy 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         37 

ly  until  the  officers  should  come  out  of  the  house, 
and  then  endeavour  to  overhear  such  remarks  as 
they  might  make  upon  the  subject  of  their  search. 
After  over  half  an  hour,  the  door  opened  and  the 
men  appeared,  the  leader  remarking  as  they  did 
so,  "All  is  well,  Mr.  White ',  and  I  thank  you  for 
your  hospitality.  We  have  to  do  our  duty." 
The  boy  brought  their  sleigh  from  the  coach 
house,  and  getting  into  it  they  started  off  without 
another  word.  P<?/*,feeling  reassured,  returned  for 
his  horse,  rode  back  to  the  stable,  and  entering 
the  house  went  again  to  bed.  He  was  convinced 
that  there  was  no  further  cause  for  anxiety,  and 
in  the  morning  started  for  the  Blue  Hills  to  com 
plete  his  arrangements. 


CHAPTER 


/^LJ   A  pnptT"P    \7"I     Wherein  Captain  Fair- 
^n/\r    1  ILiX    VI.  weather  pays  a  Wit  to 


His  Excellency  at  Milton. 


IT  was  early  when  Pete  left  the  tavern,  and 
as  he  thought  there  would  be  few  travellers 
on  the  road,  he  decided  to  go  by  the  way 
of  Milton  Lower  Mills,  and  the  turnpike 
over  Milton  Hill,  both  to  take  a  glance  at  the  Gov 
ernor's  house  and  its  surroundings,  and  to  see  if 
there  was  any  sign  of  the  brig,  over  the  river  and 
marshes  in  the  direction  of  the  Roads.  He  passed 
down  the  steep  pitch  from  Dorchester  by  the  pow 
der-mill;  on  across  the  new  wooden  bridge  sup 
ported  by  stone  piers,  which  had  been  built  nine 
years  before;  and  then  up  over  the  Country  High 
way.  When  he  reached  the  top  of  the  hill  the  sun 
was  rising  over  the  islands,  the  waters  reflecting 
the  red  morning  light.  He  took  one  look  at  the 
Roads,  and  seeing  nothing  that  interested  him 
turned  his  head  to  the  right  towards  the  Govern 
or's  house. 

Even  at  that  early  hour  there  were  signs  of  life 
about  the  mansion  and  stables.  He  wondered  if 
they  would  in  any  way  interrupt  his  plans.  But 
he  did  not  wish  to  attract  attention,  so  went  on 
over  the  narrow  road,  turning  about  a  mile  fur 
ther  on  towards  the  Great  Blue  Hill. 
Although  Pete  was  a  shrewd  man,  he  had  over 
looked  the  possibility  of  discovery  when  he  made 
his  temporary  escape  from  the  tavern.  After  the 
officers  had  driven  away  from  the  inn,  the  leader, 
[38]  turning 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         39 

turning  to  the  others,  had  said,  "Did  you  notice 
that  room  which  had  been  recently  occupied,  and 
which  evidently  had  been  left  in  a  hurry?  There 
is  something  suspicious  about  it.  When  we  get 
where  we  can  find  horses,  do  you  both  jump  into 
the  saddle  and  return  to  the  inn  and  watch.  If 
anyone  comes  out  before  morning  follow  him  at 
a  safe  distance,  Trenchant;  and  do  you,  Captain 
Fairweather,  ride  on  to  the  Governor's  and  tell 
him  what  we  have  learnt." 

So  it  came  about  that  there  were  three  horsemen 
following  the  road  to  Milton  in  the  early  morn 
ing  of  January  the  seventh,  1774.  Two  went  on 
towards  the  Great  Blue  Hill.  The  third,  after 
climbing  Milton  Hill,  turned  into  a  road  to  the 
right,  and  reaching  the  Governor's  coach-house, 
dismounted  and  gave  his  horse  to  a  groom,  tell 
ing  him  that  when  convenient  he  would  speak 
with  His  Excellency. 

While  waiting  for  his  summons  to  the  Governor, 
Captain  Fairweather  spent  the  time  in  looking 
about  him.  He  was  fatigued  after  the  night's  ex 
periences.  The  fresh  country  air  did  him  good, 
and  he  was  glad  to  stretch  his  legs  and  enjoy  the 
quiet,  for  since  his  arrival  in  Boston  he  had  had 
little  but  hard  work  and  excitement.  So  he  gazed 
about  him  with  satisfaction. 
He  saw  a  low,  rather  long  house,  of  one  and  a 
half  stories,  with  two  small  wings,  and  a  hip-roof 
from  which  rose  three  large  chimneys,  and  out  of 
which  peeped  gabled  windows.  The  front,  or  east 
ern  side,  had  a  large  panelled  door,  with  brass 
latch  and  knocker,  and  was  reached  from  the  road 

by 


40        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

by  a  swinging  gate,  gravel  path,  and  short  flight 
of  steps.  On  each  side  of  this  path  stretched  the 
green  lawn,  bounded  by  shrubs,  bushes,  and  young 
trees.  On  either  side  of  the  doorway  were  two  long 
windows  looking  across  the  river  and  marshes 
towards  the  harbour.  The  appearance  of  the  rear 
was  similar,  save  that  the  entrance  was  by  a  small 
er  door,  and  the  steps  leading  thereto  were  some 
what  steeper.  The  house  was  clapboarded  and 
painted  white.* 

The  lawn  and  road  in  front  of  the  house  were 
lined  with  plane  trees,  the  platanus  occidentalis. 
Across  the  road  were  broad  green  fields  spread 
ing  down  towards  the  river,  the  blue  line  of  which 
was  seen  at  their  foot  from  over  the  tops  of  the 
shrubs  and  trees,  going  southward  until  directly 
opposite  the  house,  then  flowing  to  the  east  through 
the  yellow-green  marshes,  until  at  last  sweeping 
round  the  rising  hummocks  like  a  blue  scimitar,  it 
rolled  on  unruffled  to  mingle  with  the  salt  waters 
of  the  harbour.  Beyond  all  this,  one  could  see 
the  spires  of  Boston,  Dorchester  and  Roxbury,  as 
well  as  Dorchester  Heights  and  the  Castle  with  its 
troops  and  its  prisoners;  the  harbour  with  its  ship 
ping  and  great  men-of-war;  and  the  islands;  until, 
looking  over  S quantum  (where  Chickatawbut  saw 
the  glories  of  his  race  die  with  him,)  Nantasket 
Roads  stretched  its  deep  blue  way  towards  Mas 
sachusetts  Bay  and  the  great  Atlantic.  Above  all  this 

was 

*  Anyone  pajjing  over  Milton  Hill  before  1828  could  have 
feen  this  man/ion  much  as  it  was  when  built  in  1743.  But 
from  that  time  until  its  demolition  in  1871  many  changes 

were  made  in  it. 


GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        41 

was  the  pure  New  England  sky,  rivalled  but  not 
surpassed  by  that  canopy  of  the  Roman  gods, 
whose  beauty  has  been  sung  so  long.  To  the 
south  of  the  mansion  were  green  fields  again,  and 
the  orchard  with  its  apples,  peaches  and  mulber 
ries;  in  the  rear,  the  garden  with  its  flowers, 
shrubs  and  trees;  and  beyond,  the  Great  Blue  Hill, 
a  sapphire  set  in  emeralds. 

A  long,  low  structure  with  pitched  roof  and  gable 
ends  stood  to  the  north  j  ust  across  the  narrow  road, 
into  which  Captain  Fairweather  had  turned  on 
parting  with  Lieutenant  'Trenchard.  In  its  east  end 
were  the  coach-house  and  stables,  beyond,  the 
quarters  for  cattle  and  swine,  and  haylofts  above. 
To  the  west  of  this  was  the  farm-house,  and  out 
lying  buildings. 

Captain  Fairweather  stood  looking  at  the  river 
when  the  Governor's  colored  servant,  Mark,  ap 
proached  him  and  said  that  His  Excellency  was 
waiting  to  receive  him.  Passing  over  the  front 
lawn,  up  the  steps,  and  through  the  large  door 
way,  Mark  led  him  into  a  hall,  which  had  doors 
opening  into  the  adjoining  rooms  and  a  passage 
leading  to  the  garden  steps.  Upon  the  floor  was 
spread  a  rich  floor-cloth,  in  the  centre  of  which 
stood  a  handsomely  carved  mahogany  table,  and 
at  either  end  of  the  hall  an  inlaid,  folding  card- 
table.  On  either  side  the  entrance  to  the  passage 
way  was  a  mahogany  sofa,  with  claw-feet,  covered 
with  haircloth,  and  scattered  about  the  room  were 
chairs  of  a  similar  pattern.  Above  each  of  the  sofas 
hung  a  portrait,  one  of  which  was  of  Mr.  Hutchin- 
son  when  a  youth.  The  other  spaces  upon  the  walls 

were 


42         The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

were  filled  with  engravings,  paintings,  and  a 
large  gilt-framed  mirror.  At  the  windows  hung 
heavy,  crimson  damask  draperies,  which  accorded 
with  the  general  colouring  of  the  furnishings. 
The  whole  effect  was  that  of  luxury  and  comfort, 
combined  with  much  simplicity  and  good  taste. 
The  Captain  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  south  par 
lour,  a  smaller  room,  yet  of  comfortable  dimen 
sions.  Upon  the  floor  was  a  thick  Turkey  carpet 
of  rich  fabric  and  soft  hues  ;  against  the  wall  stood 
an  oaken  bookcase ;  and  there  also  were  haircloth 
chairs,  and  a  small  inlaid  stand.  On  the  walls  hung 
pictures,  and  at  the  windows,  one  looking  east, 
the  other  south,  curtains  of  Turkish  manufac 
ture  ;  and  over  the  wide  fireplace,  with  its  brass 
andirons,  was  a  circular,  convex  mirror  in  an 
ornamented  frame  of  French  design,  on  either 
side  of  which  was  a  bronze  figure,  one  of  Milton, 
the  other  of  Shakespeare.  Facing  the  parlour,  at 
the  northern  side  of  the  hall,  was  a  small  room, 
which  at  this  time  was  used  by  the  Governor  as 
a  study.  In  it  was  his  walnut  desk,  open  and  cov 
ered  with  papers  and  documents,  indicating  his 
persevering  industry. 

In  1 740  Thomas  Hutchinson  had  purchased  a  large 
tract  of  land  in  Milton,  overlooking  the  Neponset 
River,  and  extending  over  the  larger  part  of  Mil 
ton  Hill.  In  the  same  year  he  went  to  England 
on  public  business  connected  with  the  currency, 
and  while  there  visited  many  large  estates,  and 
was  delighted  with  their  architecture  and  land 
scape  gardening.  When  he  returned  to  New  Eng 
land,  he  brought  designs  for  a  garden  and  or 
chard, 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        43 

chard,  and  in  1743  built  on  the  brow  of  the  hill. 
The  house  stood  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  wooden  bridge  crossing  the  Neponset  River, 
set  well  back  from  the  Braintree  Road.  The  frame 
was  of  English  white  oak,  so  solid  that  what  re 
mains  of  it  to-day  scarcely  feels  the  sharp  edge 
of  the  carpenters'  tools.  The  plan  was  a  simple 
one,  but  the  unrivalled  scenery  of  hill,  river  and 
ocean  lent  it  a  special  charm.  The  walls  were 
fully  a  foot  thick,  and  packed  with  seaweed  to 
keep  off  the  cold  in  winter,  and  the  heat  in  sum 
mer.  Besides  the  rooms  already  mentioned  there 
were  in  the  main  part  of  the  house  the  dining  and 
State  rooms.  The  former  was  to  the  south  of  the 
passage  leading  to  the  garden,  and  was  panelled 
in  oak  and  richly  furnished.  Next  the  fireplace 
was  a  short  corridor  to  the  parlour,  and  in  the 
south-east  corner  another  leading  to  the  south 
wing,  where  were  two  bed-rooms,  one  of  which 
was  occupied  by  Miss  Hutchinson.  The  State  room 
was  opposite  the  dining  room,  and  was  panelled 
in  rich  mahogany.  Many  things  had  been  brought 
from  the  Boston  house  after  it  was  sacked,  and 
this  room  was  largely  furnished  with  them.  Be 
yond  it  was  the  north  wing,  in  which  were  the 
Governor's  bed-room  and  other  apartments.  The 
kitchens  and  offices  were  in  the  basement,  reached 
by  a  steep  and  narrow  flight  of  stairs.  In  the  at 
tic  was  one  bed-room  running  the  depth  of  the 
house,  the  remainder  being  divided  into  eaves 
and  storerooms.  Such  was  the  Hutchinson  house  in 
1774.  For  thirty  years  it  had  been  the  summer 
home  of  its  owner,  and  he  loved  its  quiet  and 

peace. 


44        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

peace.  But  now  he  felt  like  a  prisoner  there,  and 
his  heart  was  heavy. 

A  short  time  before  the  Captain  entered  the  hall, 
His  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson  stood  looking 
out  of  one  of  the  windows.  He  was  a  tall,  thin 
man  of  sixty-three  years  of  age.  His  bearing  was 
that  of  the  well-bred  gentleman  of  the  eighteenth 
century,  and  his  deep-set,  rather  small  blue  eyes 
were  soft  and  kindly,  yet  had  an  expression  of 
extreme  sadness  in  them.  His  features  were  an 
gular,  the  nose  long  and  straight,  and  the  mouth 
drawn,  as  if  with  care.  And  yet  it  was  a  handsome 
face,  gentle  or  firm  as  his  feeling  directed.  As  he 
looked  out  towards  the  harbour  it  was  sad  and 
tender,  for  his  heart  told  him  that  those  scenes 
must  soon  give  place  to  others  less  welcome.  He 
held  a  letter.  A  messenger  had  brought  it  to  him 
on  the  preceding  day,  and  he  was  re-reading  it. 
It  was  written  in  a  woman's  hand,  and  ran  thus: 
His  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Efq'r: 
Sir: 

Tour  Excellency  is  in  danger,  and  jhould  watch  care 
fully.  I  am  one  ofthofe  whofe  Friends  have  forely  fuffered  by 
what  they  tell  me  is  the  Injuftice  of  the  King,  our  Majhr, 
yet  I  hardly  believe  this,  for  my  Father  taught  me  to  hon 
our  the  Government  under  which  we  live,  and  to  bow  to  its 
Commands.  There  are  thofe  who  are  planning  Mif chief  'to 
your  Excellency  becaufe  they  blame  you  for  all  their  MiJ- 
fortunes,  and  they  would  do  in  Milton  what  they  did  nine 
years  ago  in  Bofton.  Further  I  know  nothing,  fave  that 
I  am 

Tour  loyal  Servant. 

The  letter  was  unsigned,  and  the  messenger  had  left 
before  he  could  be  questioned,  and  was  unknown 

by 


'The  GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        45 

by  those  to  whom  the  letter  had  been  delivered. 
'Thomas  Hutchinson  knew  that  the  storm  was  gath 
ering  thicker  and  thicker,  but  could  not  in  his 
heart  believe  that  he  would  be  molested  in.  his 
quiet  home.  He  asked  himself  what  he  had  done 
that  all  should  turn  against  him ;  if  his  actions 
had  not  been  dictated  by  a  sense  of  duty ;  and  if 
he  had  not  always  had  the  welfare  of  his  country 
men  uppermost  in  his  heart.  A  feeling  of  bitter 
ness  came  over  him,  and  for  a  moment  his  face 
hardened,  but  again  relaxed  into  an  expression  of 
sadness  and  pity.  Sadness  for  himself  and  his;  pity 
for  these  misguided  people. 
His  thoughts  passed  rapidly  over  the  events  of 
the  last  ten  years,  from  that  time  when  they  had 
attacked  him  in  his  house  in  Boston,  and  stripped 
it  of  everything  it  contained.  He  did  not  find  one 
act  in  his  long  public  career  for  which  he  could 
reproach  himself,  and  he  knew  with  a  sincere  con 
viction  that  but  two  things  had  guided  him:  his 
loyalty  to  his  oath,  and  his  love  for  his  country 
men.  He  felt  as  keenly  as  any  of  them  that  they 
had  been  hardly  dealt  with  at  times,  and  in  every 
case  he  had  done  his  utmost  for  them.  But  when 
called  upon  to  maintain  the  laws  he  could  not  as 
sist  those  who  openly  defied  them.  He  recalled  his 
early  days,  when  he  had  put  his  best  energies  in 
to  opposition  to  the  Stamp  Act ;  when,  as  Speak 
er  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  he  had  done 
so  much  to  have  the  Colony  reimbursed  for  ex 
penses  incurred  in  the  French  War-  when  with 
every  thought  and  action  he  had  opposed  tyran 
ny  and  aided  justice.  Finally  his  thoughts  changed 

and 


46         'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

and  he  looked  about  him.  His  face  lighted  up 
with  a  loving  smile,  for  he  felt  sure  that  he  was 
secure  in  the  hearts  of  his  neighbours  ;  that  their 
love  for  him  and  their  gratitude  would  be  a  monu 
ment  which  none  could  pull  down. 


CHAPTER 


IGOOOOOOLlQOE 


TT'T  T 
\  LI 


-^  which  we  are  intro- 
duced  to  the  Governor's 


Garden. 


GOVERNOR  HUTCHINSON  turned 
from   the  window  as  Mark  entered 
and  announced  Captain  Fairweather. 
He  saw  before  him  a    fine-looking 
young  man  who  made  a  respectful  salute,  which 
was  returned  with  a  gracious  smile  and  a  "Good 
morning." 

"I  understand,"  said  the  Governor,  "that  you 
bring  me  a  message  from  the  Castle.  Pray  give 
it  to  me,  and  I  trust  it  will  be  welcome,  although 
I  fear  not,  for  we  look  for  little  cheerful  news 
in  these  days." 

"I  am  here,"  answered  the  Captain,  "by  the  or 
ders  of  the  Colonel,  to  inform  your  Excellency 
that  there  is  a  conspiracy  to  attack  you  in  your 
house.  The  particulars  have  not  been  ascertained 
yet.  It  is  only  known  that  a  messenger  came  to 
the  Castle  yesterday  afternoon  and  begged  to 
speak  with  the  Colonel.  He  told  him  that  it  would 
be  well  to  watch  the  White  Cock  Tavern  for  a  few 
days,  for  there  were  persons  there  who  intended 
to  do  the  Governor  an  injury." 
"And  has  this  been  done? "  inquired  the  Govern 
or  with  some  curiosity. 

"Yes,  Sir.  Last  night  the  Colonel,  with  another 
officer  and  myself,  drove  to  the  tavern  and  made 
a  search.  We  went  through  it  looking  for  contra 
band,  but  with  eyes  open  for  suspicious  persons." 

[47]  "i 


48        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"I  trust  you  found  the  guilty  ones,"  interrupted 
the  Governor  with  warmth. 
"No,  your  Excellency,  but  we  are  on  their  track. 
There  were  no  guests  in  the  house,  but  we  noticed 
that  in  one  room  the  bed  had  been  but  recently  oc 
cupied,  and  we  suspected  that  someone  had  left  it 
suddenly.  After  we  had  left  the  tavern  the  Colonel 
ordered  us  to  get  horses  and  ride  back  and  wait 
in  the  shadow  outside  until  the  first  person  should 
come  out.  Shortly  before  sunrise  a  man  muffled  in 
furs  walked  boldly  out  and  went  to  the  stable. 
He  soon  reappeared  mounted  on  a  black  horse, 
and  took  the  road  over  the  Neck,  and  we  followed 
him  at  a  safe  distance.  My  companion  had  orders 
to  keep  him  in  sight,  and  is  doing  so,  while  I  have 
come  to  inform  your  Excellency,  and  to  receive 
your  orders." 

"I  thank  you,  Captain  Fairweather,  for  your  time 
ly  warning.  But  do  you  think  these  good  people 
have  sinister  intentions?  Are  they  so  black-hearted 
as  to  attempt  to  violate  the  laws  to  such  an  extent 
as  this?  What  is  their  disposition  towards  His 
Majesty's  troops  of  late?  Are  they  still  sullen  and 
threatening?  I  would  not  harm  them,  yet  if  they 
forget  that  they  are  subjects  of  the  King  they  must 
be  dealt  with  firmly." 

"  They  are  in  a  nasty  mood,"  answered  Fairweath- 
er,  "and  abuse  us  as  we  pass  though  the  streets. 
Yet  I  hardly  think  they  will  dare  do  anything 
openly.  What  we  fear  are  secret  acts  of  violence, 
and  it  would  please  our  Colonel  to  give  your  Ex 
cellency  protection  for  a  few  days,  if  you  are  will- 
ing."  ' 

The 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         49 

The  Governor  held  up  his  hand  deprecatingly, 
and  with  a  look  of  resolution,  answered,  "No! 
No  !  I  don't  need  a.  garrison  in  my  house.  If  they 
come  here,  I  will  speak  to  them.  I  have  not  aban 
doned  the  hope  that  they  will  listen  to  argument, 
for  they  have  been  wont  to  do  so  in  the  past,  and 
are  at  least  a  kindly  people.  No,  Captain  Fair- 
weather,  tell  your  Colonel,  with  my  thanks  for 
his  solicitude,  that  I  will  take  what  the  good  God 
sends  me." 

"It  shall  be  as  your  Excellency  desires,"  answered 
the  Captain,  with  disappointment,  "but  I  wish 
you  felt  differently." 

"I  am  decided,"  the  Governor  replied,  "but  you 
must  be  faint  and  weary,  Captain.  Breakfast  with 
me,  and  remain  here  a  few  hours.  Come,  and  I 
will  show  you  the  view  from  the  back  of  my  house, 
and  tell  you  about  my  garden,  which  is  sleeping 
now  under  its  soft  coverlet.  Were  it  summer  I 
would  take  you  into  it,  but  I  never  tire  of  talking 
of  it,  so  listen  to  me  patiently."  He  led  the  way 
through  the  passage,  and  opening  the  door  looked 
out  upon  the  pride  of  his  heart. 
"Captain  Fairweather"  began  the  Governor,  "for 
more  than  thirty  years  I  have  nursed  this  garden 
as  a  child,  and  have  seen  it  grow  to  manhood.  I 
have  watched  its  every  step  since  the  ground  was 
first  broken,  and  have  never  ceased  working  in 
it  myself,  even  under  the  warm  sun  of  summer. 
I  have  planted  seeds,  roots,  shrubs  and  trees;  I 
have  sown  the  grass  on  the  pleached  alleys  which 
you  see  from  the  foot  of  those  steps,  and  which 
run  in  parallel  lines  to  the  ha-ha  fence  below. 

Direclly 


50        'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Directly  in  front  of  you  is  the  middle  walk.  You 
can  see  the  fields  beyond  dipping  towards  the 
turnpike.  The  arbour  here,  over  the  gravel  path, 
I  built  for  my  grape  vines.  Haven't  they  grown? 
They  are  five-and-twenty  years  old,  and  the  stalks 
are  large  and  strong.  Down  there  is  a  cross  path 
half  way  from  the  ha-ha.  Along  all  the  paths  I 
have  planted  flowers  and  shrubs  and  hedges  of 
box.  These  terraced  parterres  next  to  the  house 
give  a  pleasant  foreground  in  the  summer,  and 
as  you  see,  the  whole  is  most  lovely  with  the  roll 
ing  hills  behind  it.  Perhaps  you  may  be  here  when 
it  is  all  green,  and  you  will  not  wonder  that  I 
love  it." 

"It  reminds  me  of  home,"  said  the  Captain, 
"where  did  you  get  the  plan?" 
"When  I  was  in  England  in  '41,"  replied  the 
Governor,  "I  went  into  Norfolk  to  visit  a  friend. 
I  stayed  with  him  several  weeks,  and  spent  much 
of  the  time  in  his  garden,  and  I  asked  him  if  I 
might  copy  it.  He  willingly  granted  my  request, 
and  this  is  the  result.  I  have  lived  to  see  it  thrive 
and  should  be  satisfied." 

After  breakfast  the  Governor  retired  to  his  study. 
Before  calling  his  secretary  he  showed  the  Captain 
a  closet,  in  which  were  kept  guns  and  other  weap 
ons.  "This  will  interest  you  more  than  flowers 
and  trees,"  he  said,  "but  I  am  a  man  of  peace, 
and  prefer  the  garden." 

Returning  to  the  hall  two  hours  later  the  Gov 
ernor  found  his  guest  looking  out  of  the  window. 
"Is  this  not  a  charming  landscape?"  he  said  to 
him.  "Do  you  wonder  that  we  love  New  Eng 
land 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        51 

land  when  we  have  such  a  view  to  look  upon? 
It  is  a  beautiful  land,  and  I  would  to  God  that 
its  people  were  not  poisoned  with  disloyalty.  But 
they  will  come  back!  they  will  come  back!" 
"It  is  indeed  fine,"  the  Captain  answered,  "and 
I  trust  your  Excellency  will  enjoy  it  for  many 
years  yet.  Pardon  me,  Sir,  for  urging  it  again,  but 
we  are  desirous  of  giving  you  such  protection  as 
is  due  your  rank  as  representative  of  His  Majesty." 
"  No  more  of  this,"  said  the  Governor,  with  firm 
ness,  "I  appreciate  the  kindly  motives  of  your 
Colonel,  but  we  are  not  in  a  state  of  war,  and 
although  we  must  punish  those  who  break  the 
laws,  we  cannot  anticipate  their  acts.  We  must 
take  precautions,  and  watch  them  closely,  but  it 
is  not  well  that  they  should  think  we  fear  them. 
Tell  the  Colonel  to  see  that  suspicious  persons 
are  kept  in  view,  and  their  movements  watched, 
but  let  no  demonstration  of  force  be  made  until 
their  intentions  are  ascertained.  Then  it  will  be 
time  enough  for  action.  In  the  meanwhile  I  have 
faith  that  no  harm  will  come  to  me  or  mine." 
"I  will  take  your  Excellency's  commands,"  an 
swered  Fairweather,  "and  they  shall  be  strictly 
obeyed." 

"Thanks,"  said  the  Governor,  and  handing  him 
a  cloth  bag  filled  with  papers,  he  added,  "Will 
you  kindly  see  that  these  dispatches  reach  their 
destination.  There  is  a  letter  for  my  son  among 
them.  How  fares  he  at  the  Castle?  I  miss  him, 
but  I  know  he  is  safer  where  he  is.  My  duty  keeps 
me  here,  and  I  must  wait  until  this  excitement 
blows  over." 

"He 


52         'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"He  and  his  have  every  comfort  the  Colonel  can 
give  them  in  so  cold  a  place,"  replied  the  Captain. 
"I  am  grateful  for  it,"  said  the  Governor,  "but 
now  you'd  better  go,  as  they  will  be  expecting 
you." 

After  thanking  him  for  his  kind  reception,  Cap 
tain  Fairweather  took  leave,  and  started  for  Bos 
ton. 

When  left  to  himself,  Mr.  Hutchinson  s  expres 
sion  changed  again.  His  face  grew  sad,  and  he 
paced  up  and  down  the  room,  went  to  the  win 
dow,  and  then  through  the  hall  to  the  rear  door 
and  looked  upon  the  garden  covered  with  snow. 
As  he  did  so  he  sighed  and  said  to  himself,  as  if 
speaking  to  a  friend,  "Ah!  well,  if  I  must  leave 
you  for  a  time,  it  will  be  but  to  return  to  see  you 
fresh  and  gay  in  your  coat  of  green  and  bright 
colours.  They  will  not  touch  you,  for  you  have 
done  them  no  injury.  Poor  people !  God  grant 
them  a  change  of  mind  and  a  better  heart.  It  is 
but  a  passing  tempest,  and  the  clearing  will  be  all 
the  brighter."  Returning  to  his  study,  he  was  soon 
busy  with  the  details  of  pressing  business,  and  for 
a  time  his  mind  was  relieved  of  its  unhappy  fore 
bodings. 


CHAPTER 


InwblchMr.Tren- 
chard  fees  feme  Ro 
mantic  Scenery^  which  he  has  no  Dejire  to  revijit. 


1 


INDIAN  sailor,  known  at  sea  as 
ftPonkapog  Pete"  rode  quietly  over 
the  turnpike,  on  his  way  to  the  Great 
Blue  Hill,  unconscious  of  what  was 
going  on  at  the  Governor's  mansion,  and  that  he 
was  being  followed  by  one  of  the  King's  officers. 
Had  he  known  all  this,  his  mind  would  have  been 
in  a  much  more  perturbed  state,  and  his  horse 
would  have  moved  more  swiftly  over  the  snow. 
The  recent  storm  had  made  the  roads  heavy,  and 
in  places  the  drifts  were  deep.  Few  had  travelled 
that  way  of  late,  and  the  traces  where  Pete's  horse 
had  ploughed  through  the  snow  were  easily  dis 
tinguished,  so  that  Lieutenant  Trenchant  could 
keep  safely  in  the  rear  without  danger  of  losing 
his  quarry. 

When  he  had  gone  about  four  miles  beyond  the 
place  where  he  had  separated  from  Fairweather, 
he  noticed  that  the  tracks  left  the  narrow,  wind 
ing  road,  and  entered  a  rough  path  through  brush, 
scrub  oaks  and  cedars,  and  after  crossing  a  brook, 
again  penetrated  the  brush.  A  little  further  on 
it  began  to  twist  and  ascend,  and  although  Tren- 
chard  was  a  brave  man,  he  wondered  if  he  might 
not  fall  into  a  trap,  and  the  idea  of  a  smuggler's 
camp  came  into  his  head.  But  he  kept  on,  for  he 
was  a  true  soldier,  and  had  orders  to  find  out 
where  the  man  went.  There  was  little  danger  of 
his  being  heard  on  the  soft  snow,  and  he  was  not 

[53] 


54        The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

likely  to  be  seen,  but  he  took  good  care,  never 
theless,  to  free  his  pistols  and  disengage  his  sword 
from  under  his  cloak.  He  had  advanced  a  while 
in  this  way  when  he  reined  in  his  horse  to  look 
out  at  the  view  before  him,  and  he  acknowledged 
to  himself  that  it  was  exceedingly  beautiful,  al 
though  he  was  loath  to  praise  anything  in  the  coun 
try  he  considered  a  wilderness  peopled  only  by 
rioters  and  savages.  He  was  evidently  at  a  great 
height,  for  he  could  see  the  farms  and  towns  of 
Milton  and  Dorchester^  and  the  spires  of  Boston. 
He  thought  he  could  distinguish  the  Castle  ris 
ing  out  of  the  harbour,  and  the  sight  of  it  and 
the  blue  line  of  the  water  gave  him  a  feeling  of 
longing,  for  there  was  all  that  was  congenial  to 
him  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 
The  Lieutenant  was  an  Englishman,  stationed  in 
Boston  but  a  few  months,  and  knew  little  of  the 
surrounding  country.  He  was  well  aware,  how 
ever,  that  he  was  going  in  the  direction  of  the 
Blue  Hills ,  for  he  had  often  seen  them  at  a  dis 
tance,  but  he  had  not  noticed,  until  he  now  saw 
the  broad  landscape  before  him,  that  he  was  ac 
tually  ascending  them.  The  path  now  widened, 
becoming  more  level,  and  finally  began  todescend. 
He  was  discouraged  when,  looking  before  him, 
he  saw  the  edge  of  a  deep  ravine,  through  which 
there  seemed  to  be  no  passage  for  a  horse.  In  the 
bottom  of  the  hollow  was  a  tiny  brook  rushing 
down  through  the  ice;  and  raising  his  eyes  he 
drew  rein,  for  on  the  other  side,  just  entering  the 
forest,  was  his  horseman.  Fortunately  for  Tren- 
chard^  the  Indian  did  not  turn  his  head,  and  in 

another 


T'he   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         55 

another  moment  was  out  of  sight.  The  Lieuten 
ant  was  now  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  so  dismounting, 
he  crept  cautiously  to  the  edge  of  the  gully  and 
looked  down.  The  wind  had  laid  the  rocks  bare 
of  snow,  so  that  it  was  difficult  to  see  hoof-prints, 
but  he  was  sure  that  the  rider  could  have  gone  in 
no  other  way,  so  he  decided  to  make  the  venture. 
Returning  to  his  horse,  he  jumped  to  the  saddle, 
and  was  soon  safely  across  and  on  the  trail  again. 
The  path  had  now  been  rising  for  some  little  time 
when  he  thought  he  heard  the  sound  of  voices 
ahead.  His  hand  sought  his  pistols,  and  reining 
in  his  horse  he  listened.  There  was  no  mistake; 
so  dropping  to  the  ground,  he  stole  into  the  wood 
and  hitched  the  animal  by  the  bridle.  He  then 
crept  carefully  through  the  underbrush  in  the 
direction  of  the  voices.  In  a  few  minutes  he  was 
stopped  by  a  sight  which  made  him  hold  his 
breath.  Before  him,  at  some  distance,  was  his 
horseman,  still  in  the  saddle,  but  not  alone.  Gath 
ered  about  him  in  an  open  space  under  the  trees 
were  about  twenty  savage-faced,  dark-eyed  be 
ings,  clad  in  every  kind  of  garment,  listening  to 
him  attentively,  and  occasionally  saying  some 
thing  as  if  in  answer  to  a  question.  Trenchard 
could  not  hear  what  they  said,  and  it  might  have 
availed  him  little  if  he  had,  but  he  could  under 
stand  from  their  bearing  that  there  was  something 
on  foot  which  boded  no  good. 
He  had  watched  in  this  way  a  few  moments  when 
the  horseman  suddenly  turned  back  over  the  road 
by  which  he  had  come,  and  the  others  started  up 
the  hill  through  the  forest.  This  was  an  unex 
pected 


56        'The  GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

peeled  move.  The  Lieutenant  was  not  afraid  to 
meet  the  man  alone,  but  the  others  might  come 
to  their  companion's  assistance  at  any  moment, 
which  would  be  dangerous  for  him ;  so  he  re 
mained  quietly  hidden  in  the  brush.  The  horse 
man  passed  without  seeing  him  and  reached  the 
place  where  Trenchant  had  dismounted.  There  he 
stopped,  and  looked  anxiously  about  him.  He 
noticed  the  tracks  of  another  rider,  and  his  sus 
picions,  ever  on  the  alert,  were  awakened.  He 
tarried  but  a  moment,  however,  and  then  con 
tinued  down  the  path  towards  the  ravine. 
cTrenchard  waited  a  little  while,  then  returned  to 
his  horse,  remounted  and  followed.  He  had  just 
reached  the  bed  of  the  little  stream,  when  he  was 
startled  by  a  sharp  report,  and  a  bullet  hissed 
by  him,  flattening  itself  against  one  of  the  great 
boulders  beyond.  With  a  dash  his  frightened 
horse  bolted  down  the  ravine.  At  first  the  Lieu 
tenant  thought  he  was  lost,  but  being  a  good 
rider  he  kept  his  seat.  The  sure-footed  creature 
held  to  the  bed  of  the  stream,  until  with  a  final 
plunge  over  a  sheer  descent  of  fully  five  feet,  he 
stopped  in  a  drift  of  snow  at  the  bottom  of  the 
hill. 

Dismounting  to  examine  the  still  trembling  ani 
mal,  Trenchard  drew  a  long  breath,  and  leaned 
against  the  trunk  of  a  tree.  He  had  had  some  ex 
perience  of  danger,  but  had  never  been  so  near 
death  before,  and  was  thankful  for  his  escape. 
But  this  was  not  the  end  of  his  troubles.  Look 
ing  about  him  he  saw  nothing  but  a  pathless  for 
est.  There  was  nothing  for  him  to  do  but  to  keep 

to 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         57 

to  the  bed  of  the  brook,  trusting  that  it  would 
lead  to  some  open  place  whence  he  could  find  the 
road,  or  at  least  be  able  to  cross  the  fields  in  the 
direction  of  the  town. 

In  the  course  of  time  he  found  himself  in  a  pas 
ture  near  a  rolling  hill.  This  he  climbed,  and  to 
his  satisfaction  saw  before  him  a  road  leading  in 
the  direction  of  Boston.  In  another  hour  he  recog 
nized  the  wooden  bridge  over  which  he  had  passed 
in  the  morning,  and  before  the  sun  had  set  was 
at  the  Castle  with  his  report  to  the  Colonel. 
Colonel  Leslie  was  uncertain  what  to  do.  He  had, 
a  short  time  before  the  Lieutenant  arrived,  re 
ceived  the  message  from  the  Governor,  brought 
in  by  Captain  Fair  we  cither,  declining  the  protec 
tion  of  the  troops.  It  was  evident,  however,  from 
Trenchard 's  account,  that  something  was  brewing 
which  meant  mischief,  and  he  decided  to  have 
the  White  Cock  Tavern  watched.  Not  wishing  to 
detail  a  body  of  men  to  Milton  after  the  Gov 
ernor's  distinct  orders  to  the  contrary,  he  con 
sulted  the  latter's  son,  Thomas.  This  young  man 
was  one  of  the  unfortunate  consignees  of  the  tea 
which  had  caused  so  much  trouble,  and  had  been 
forced  to  take  up  his  residence  at  the  Castle  for 
reasons  of  personal  safety.  He  differed  from  his 
father  in  that  he  did  not  feel  the  same  sympathy 
with  New  England  and  its  people.  He  was  fond 
of  the  Milton  place,  and  a  devoted  son  and  broth 
er,  but  often  said  that  he  did  not  care  if  he  never 
saw  Boston  or  its  rabble  again. 
He  advised  the  Colonel  to  keep  a  careful  watch, 
and  decided  to  steal  up  the  river  after  dark,  and 

remain 


58         'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

remain  a  few  days  with  his  father  and  sister.  He 
asked  Captain  Fairweather  and  Lieutenant  I'r en- 
chard  to  accompany  him,  and  they  arranged  with 
four  troopers  to  take  them  across  the  harbour  to 
the  mouth  of  the  river  in  one  of  the  man-of-war's 
gigs.  They  could  then  go  quietly  on  to  the  bank 
at  the  foot  of  the  field  opposite  the  Governor's 
house,  leaving  the  troopers  to  return  with  the 
boat. 


CHAPTER 


Wherein  two  Ladies  ex- 
prej~s  0pp0Jite  Opinions. 


IT  was  apparent  to  Caleb  White  that  the  plans 
of  Jaquithand  Doddridgewzrz  suspected  by 
the  authorities;  that  the  visit  of  the  evening 
before  was  undoubtedly  connected   with 
them  ;  that  in  consequence  the  tavern  would  be 
closely  watched  ;  and  that  therefore  it  would  be 
unsafe  for  them  to  keep  their  appointment  there. 
Accordingly  he  arose  early,  and  having  given  a 
few  instructions  to  his  servants,  started  out  to 
seek  the  young  men. 

Jaquith  was  surprised  at  the  visit,  and  on  learn 
ing  its  cause  was  much  annoyed.  He  rushed  to 
see  Doddridge^  who,  although  he  took  the  matter 
more  quietly,  was  disturbed,  and  said  that  some 
thing  must  be  done  to  put  the  officers  off  the 
track,  so  that  they  could  proceed,  as  there  was 
now  no  turning  back. 

"They  only  think  that  something  is  going  on," 
he  said,  "for  they  are  always  suspicious.  But  it  is 
impossible  that  they  should  know  our  business. 
White  told  you  that  the  officers  left  the  tavern 
satisfied  that  there  was  nothing  there,  and  Pete 
has  escaped  safely.  To  be  sure,"  he  continued, 
"we  cannot  receive  his  message  at  the  tavern,  but 
we  can  go  up  the  river  and  watch  proceedings 
from  there.  Pete  should  be  there  at  about  eleven 
o'clock,  so  we  will  dine  together,  and  after  rest 
ing  a  little,  procure  a  boat  at  the  Point,  and  go 
quietly  on  our  way." 

"That  is  no  doubt  the  best  we  can  do,"  answered 
[59]  Ezra. 


60        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Ezra.  "Yet  I  feel  anxious,  for  if  there  is  a  sus 
picion  that  there  is  anything  to  take  place  near 
the  Governor's  estate,  our  plans  will  fail." 
"None  but  Liberty  men  know  our  intentions," 
said  Charles,  "except  the  Indian ,  who  has  too 
much  at  stake  to  betray  us.  So  it  is  impossible 
that  they  should  be  known  to  the  Governor  or 
his  friends." 

Later  in  the  day,  Charles  and  Ezra  dined  with 
Mrs.  Doddridge  and  Dorothy. 
"  David  Whittemore  was  here  yesterday,"  said  the 
former,  "  and  a  fine  young  man  he  is.  He  stayed 
but  a  short  time,  for  he  had  pressing  business  and 
rode  away  in  great  haste.  He  thinks  our  troubles 
near  an  end,  and  seems  confident  that  all  we  need 
is  patience.  But  in  this  I  do  not  agree  with  him, 
for  we  have  borne  enough  already,  and  we  should 
now  strike  for  our  full  liberties.  Don't  you  agree 
with  me,  Ezra?" 

"I  do  indeed  think  as  you  do,  Mrs.  Doddridge" 
answered  he,  "and  I'm  impatient  to  strike  a  heavy 
blow.  David  is  a  strange  fellow,  and  seems  to 
lack  spirit." 

"  I  know  you  are  a  true  patriot,"  said  Mrs.  Dod 
dridge,  with  a  smile  of  satisfaction.  "If  all  were 
like  you  and  my  boy  we  should  soon  be  free,  and 
rid  of  Thomas  Hutchinson" 
"We  will  soon  be  rid  of  him,  mother  dear,"  said 
Charles,  with  a  significant  look  towards  Jaquith. 
"Ezra  and  I  have  business  to-night  connected 
with  this  matter,  which  you  will  hear  of  later. 
But  rest  assured  that  you  will  be  well  pleased  with 
what  we  do." 

"I 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        61 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  that,  Charles"  said  his  moth 
er,  "and  good  fortune  attend  all  your  works." 
Two  hours  later  Charles  and  Ezra  left  the  house 
to  secure  a  boat  for  the  evening,  from  a  man  they 
knew  at  Dorchester  Point. 

As  soon  as  they  had  departed  Dorothy  went  to  her 
room,  and  going  to  the  window  watched  them  un 
til  they  disappeared.  Tears  were  on  her  long  black 
lashes,  and  her  cheeks,  ordinarily  so  rosy,  were 
pale,  and  her  face  wore  a  distressed  expression. 
She  dropped  into  a  chair,  and  then  turning  looked 
about  her  room.  As  she  did  so  she  caught  sight 
of  a  portrait  hanging  on  the  wall  opposite  where 
she  sat.  It  was  that  of  a  man  of  about  forty  years 
of  age,  wearing  the  dress  of  a  Colonel  of  the 
English  Army  in  the  seventeenth  century,  and  it 
came  across  her  that  this  Colonel  Doddridge,  her 
father's  ancestor,  had  fought  and  died  for  the 
King.  And  then  she  turned  to  another,  smaller 
picture,  that  of  a  young  man,  her  mother's  ances 
tor,  who,  under  Cromwell,  had  fallen  in  battling 
for  the  Commonwealth  and  the  freedom  of  the  peo 
ple.  She  asked  herself  if  it  was  possible  that  these 
two  men  had  bequeathed  to  their  descendants 
different  views  of  loyalty  and  patriotism,  one  to 
her  father,  the  other  to  her  mother.  Those  strong 
faces  seemed  to  show  that  their  characteristics 
could  not  die  with  them.  "God  forgive  me  if  I 
am  wrong,"  she  said.  "Oh!  Charles,  Charles,  for 
give  your  sister,  who  wishes  you  nothing  but 
good,  and  loves  you  with  all  her  heart.  She  only 
wishes  to  do  her  duty  to  her  King,  and  to  the 
blessed  memory  of  her  father,  who  taught  her  to 

honour 


62         The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

honour  him."  Then  making  a  strong  effort  to 
control  herself,  she  said, "  This  will  not  do.  I  must 
be  calm." 

"Dorothy,  dear,"  said  her  mother,  as  she  entered 
the  room  a  short  time  after  this,  "are  you  not 
proud  of  your  brother  ?  Does  it  not  make  you  feel 
that  our  freedom  is  sure  to  come  when  we  have 
such  as  he  and  Ezra  to  fight  our  battles?  Would 
that  I  were  a  man,  that  I  might  join  them!" 
Dorothy  hesitated  before  replying.  She  did  not 
wish  to  deceive  her  mother,  yet  she  dreaded  of 
fending  her.  At  last  she  said  quietly,  "You  have 
asked  me  this  question  before,  mother  dear,  and 
I  have  answered  you  as  well  as  I  can.  I  love  both 
you  and  Charles,  and  I  would  differ  from  you  in 
nothing  were  it  possible  not  to  do  so.  But  I  re 
member  what  my  father  told  me  when  I  was  a 
little  girl.  He  said  that  we  were  subjects  of  the 
King  of  England,  and  that  so  long  as  we  remained 
such,  we  must  accept  what  it  was  his  will  to  give 
us.  He  told  me  that  we  owed  much  to  our  moth 
er  country,  and  should  be  willing  to  sacrifice 
something  in  her  behalf,  even  though  it  was  hard 
to  do  so.  And  he  told  me  that  though  he  had  suf 
fered  from  laws  which  did  harm  to  the  business 
of  the  province,  he  still  loved  his  King,  and  would 
abide  by  what  he  ordered.  I  cannot,  therefore,  be 
lieve  that  it  is  right  to  rebel  against  the  govern 
ment,  nor  can  I  agree  with  you  and  my  brother." 
"You  are  causing  us  both  great  grief,"  her  moth 
er  replied,  with  warmth,  "but  you  are  young, 
and  do  not  understand.  You  will  learn  better  be 
fore  long,  so  I  will  let  it  pass." 

"Do 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        63 

"Do  you  truly  believe,  mother  dear,"  asked  Dor 
othy,  looking  at  her  fearlessly  with  her  large  black 
eyes,  "do  you  truly  believe  that  Governor  Hutch- 
inson  is  a  bad  man,  and  is  doing  wrong?  He  was 
my  father's  friend,  and  was  always  honoured  by 
him." 

"He  was  your  father's  friend,  as  you  say,  Doro 
thy,'"  answered  her  mother.  "  He  was  the  friend  of 
us  all,  so  long  as  it  was  to  his  advantage  to  be  so. 
But  now  he  has  changed.  When  our  liberties  are 
attacked,  he  refuses  to  defend  them  because  by  so 
doing  he  would  lose  his  post,  and  with  it  his 
chance  of  wealth  and  preferment.  He  is  a  traitor, 
Dorothy,  a  turn-coat  and  a  traitor,  and  he  must 
be  made  to  leave  the  country,  or  we  shall  never 
have  redress." 

Dorothy  made  no  answer,  but  going  up  to  her 
mother,  kissed  her  and  left  the  room.  She  felt  that 
her  mother  had  suffered  much,  and  she  was  sorry 
for  her,  but  thought  both  she  and  Charles  were 
wrong.  That  they  would  change  their  views  she 
was  sure,  and  she  had  resolved  to  be  firm  in  her 
position  until  that  time  came.  So  she  said  nothing 
more,  and  going  to  her  room,  prayed  quietly  that 
her  brother  might  come  to  no  harm  in  his  wicked 
undertaking. 


<**. 
© 


CHAPTER 


In  which  ^  flown  the  Dif- 
ference  between  Attempt  and 
Sticcejs. 

IF  anyone  could  have  seen  at  a  glance  all  that 
was  going  on  at  the  same  time  between  the 
Blue  Hills  and  Milton,  up  the  Neponset  Riv 
er  from  the  Castle,  and  in  Nantasket  Roads, 
on  that  dark  night  in  January,  he  would  have 
found  much  to  surprise  and  interest  him.  Four 
different  parties  were  on  their  way  to  the  same 
point. 

Shortly  after  sunset  a  large  boat,  with  muffled 
oars,  stole  out  from  the  Castle  and  headed  for  the 
mouth  of  the  Neponset.  In  its  stern  sheets  were 
seated  three  young  men,  and  it  was  rowed  by  four 
others. 

"It  is  a  dark  night,"  said  young  Hutchinson,  "  and 
could  not  be  better  for  our  trip.  The  air  refreshes 
me." 

"Had  you  taken  the  ride  I  did  to-day,"  answered 
Lieutenant  Trenchard  with  a  laugh,  "you  would 
certainly  appreciate  this  rest.  The  stream  I  fol 
lowed  was  somewhat  rougher,  and  my  seat  hard 
er.  God  forbid  that  I  should  ever  be  called  upon 
to  visit  your  beautiful  Blue  Hills  again.  My  na 
ture  is  too  unromantic  to  enjoy  them,  and  I  pre 
fer  the  Castle." 

"They  are  certainly  beautiful  to  look  upon," 
Thomas  replied. 

"Better  to  look  upon  than  to  ride  upon,"  an 
swered  Trenchard,  "and  that  is  why  I  prefer  the 
Castle.  I  am  willing  to  look  upon  them  so  long 
[64]  as 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         65 

as  it  is  at  a  respectful  distance.  Do  you  know  that 
I  believe  those  men  I  saw  were  Indians  ?  I  thought 
that  they  were  extinct  in  these  parts." 
"And  so  they  practically  are,"  said  Thomas ,  "  but 
there  is  a  small  reservation  near  the  Blue  Hills, 
containing  perhaps  twenty  or  thirty,  all  told.  They 
are  an  ignorant,  indolent,  thieving  set,  and  will 
do  anything  for  money.  You  may  be  sure  that 
they  are  being  bribed  to  do  some  mischief,  and 
we  must  find  their  employers." 
"They  will  be  found,"  interposed  Captain  Fair- 
weather.  "The  tavern  is  being  carefully  watched, 
and  they  cannot  expect — Ah!"  exclaimed  he, 
breaking  off  suddenly,  "what  are  those  boats 
doing  near  the  mouth  of  the  river?  I  cannot  see 
them  distinctly,  but  there  are  three  of  them,  and 
of  good  size." 

"Some  fisherman,  in  all  probability,"  said  Hutch- 
inson.  "At  all  events  they  have  not  noticed  us." 
At  about  the  time  that  this  conversation  was  go 
ing  on,  "Doddridge  and  Jaquith  jumped  into  a 
boat  at  Dorchester  Point,  and  rowed  quietly  around 
towards  the  Neponset. 

"We  have  ample  time,"  said  Charles,  "so  we 
needn't  hurry.  Everything  seems  quiet  about  the 
harbour,  and  I  feel  encouraged  to  hope  that  all 
is  going  well.  I  will  pull  as  far  as  the  river,  and 
then  you  may  relieve  me." 
"All  right,"  answered  Ezra,  "pull  away.  I  feel 
a  little  nervous,  and  shall  be  glad  of  the  exercise 
later  on." 

The  three  boats  which  had  attracted  Captain  Fair- 
weather's  attention  had  left  Nantasket  Roads  just 

as 


66        'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

as  the  sun  set.  They  were  laden  with  chests  of 
tea,  and  were  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  Indian 
to  take  the  cargo  up  the  river  to  the  appointed 
place.  Captain  Carpenter  was  in  one  of  the  boats, 
and  was  becoming  impatient. 

"When  will  that  d black  rascal  come?"  he 

said.  "Keep  steady  there,  and  don't  let  'em  drift 
in  too  near  the  river.  There's  one  boat  passed 
up  already,  and  we  don't  want  to  be  spoken." 
"Ay,  ay,  Sir,"  said  several  low  voices,  and  then 
all  was  quiet. 

While  all  this  was  taking  place  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Neponset,  about  twenty  dark  figures  could 
have  been  seen  in  the  bend  of  the  river,  eight  of 
whom  were  getting  into  two  boats,  while  the  rest, 
under  the  leadership  of  a  large  man,  were  prepar 
ing  to  climb  the  bank  towards  the  Governor's 
house.  As  their  dusky  forms  moved  to  and  fro 
under  the  overhanging  branches  they  presented 
a  weird  and  forbidding  sight.  They  did  not  dare 
light  torches,  fearing  detection,  and  groped  about, 
starting  every  now  and  then  as  some  one  impru 
dently  stepped  upon  the  thin  ice  bordering  the 
river,  causing  it  to  crack  with  a  sharp  report. 
Not  a  word  was  spoken,  and  at  last  the  two  boats 
started,  paddled  by  two  men.  The  leading  one 
was  directed  by  Pete. 

They  had  gone  about  a  mile  and  a  half,  and  were 
sweeping  softly  around  the  curve  where  the  river 
turns  towards  the  harbour,  when  Pete  suddenly 
stopped  his  boat.  "Hush!  Be  quiet;  follow,"  he 
said  in  a  low  voice.  The  night  was  still,  not  a 
breath  of  wind  ruffled  the  glazed  surface  of  the 

water 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        67 

water,  and  every  sound  was  distinctly  audible  for 
some  distance.  Turning  to  the  right  the  boats 
drew  into  a  little  creek,  and  the  men  paused  to 
listen.  A  boat  was  coming  up  the  river,  and  the 
splashing  of  the  oars  could  be  heard  in  regular 
motion.  As  it  drew  near  the  sound  of  voices  fell 
on  their  ears,  and  Pete  bent  his  head  forward.  As 
they  passed  he  caught  the  following  words,  which 
made  him  utter  an  oath. 

"If  those  fellows  come  to-night,  Captain,  they'll 
have  a  surprise.  I  don't  imagine  there  is  anything 
in  it,  but  I  did  not  like  the  looks  of  those  three 
boats  we  passed  as  we  entered  the  river.  What 
do  you  think  they  were  doing?" 
"I  could  only  see  the  outlines  through  the  dark 
ness,"  said  another  voice,  "but  it  seemed  to  me 
they  were  well  manned  and  cautious.  However, 
it  is  perhaps  only  a  fishing  party  after  smelts, 
which  are  caught  here  in  plenty." 
"I  don't  think  so,"  said  a  third  voice,  and  as  the 
boat  then  turned  a  bend  in  the  river,  Pete  could 
hear  nothing  more. 

"Damn  it! "  said  he,  "we  must  go  down  the  riv 
er  at  once,  and  send  the  boats  back  to  the  brig. 
The  game  is  up,  and  she  must  get  well  into  the 
bay  before  dawn.  As  for  those  who  have  gone  up 
the  hill,  they  must  take  their  chances.  We'll  go 
with  the  brig  if  they'll  take  us,  as  our  lives  are 
not  safe  here.  Row  hard,  I  say." 
They  at  last  reached  the  three  boats,  and  giving 
a  signal,  were  soon  alongside.  Just  then  Pete  turned 
his  head.  Going  into  the  river  was  a  small  boat 
with  two  men  in  it. 

"Just 


68        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"Just  in  time,"  he  said,  "now  to  the  brig  as  you 
value  your  necks." 

The  men  answered  with  a  will,  and  reached  Nan- 
tasket  Roads  without  accident. 
The  next  morning  incoming  vessels  noticed  a 
handsome  brig  going  under  full  sail  down  Mas 
sachusetts  Bay.  She  seemed  in  haste,  for  she  spared 
nothing,  and  had  no  time  to  signal  anyone,  but 
flew  on  regardless  of  wind  and  weather.  On  board 
of  her  were  nine  new  men,  so  she  was  amply  pro 
vided  with  hands. 

"  Where  to,  now? "  asked  the  Captain,  turning  to 
the  leader  of  the  new-comers. 
"  To  the  south,"  was  the  answer.  "  Such  were  Mr. 
Jaquith *s  instructions  in  case  we  failed."  And  they 
sailed  on,  the  crew  singing  as  they  manned  the 
halliards : 

Ho,  Heigh,  Ho!  let  the  good  brig  go 
To  the  Sea  of  the  Carribbee, 
For  the  Jky  is  blue,  and  the  hearts  are  true, 
Of  the  maidens  with  eyes  of  ebony  hue, 
In  the  Sea  of  the  Carribbee. 

Ho,  Heigh,  Ho!  the  wejt  winds  blow 
And  the  fcuppers  fill  under  our  lee, 
And  there  s  plenty  for  all  in  calm  or  f qua II 
On  the  dark  blue  waters  that  rife  and  fall 
In  the  Sea  of  the  Carribbee. 

Sing  Ho,  Heigh,  Ho!  for  the  northeaj}  gale 

To  blow  us  far  over  the  fea 

Acrofs  the  Stream,  the  wind  abeam, 

With  creaking  and /napping  in  every  f  earn, 

Towards  the  Sea  of  the  Carribbee. 

Ho, 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         69 

Ho,  Heigh,  Ho!  Sing  Ho,  Heigh,  Ho! 
Her  Jtud-fails  are  drawing  free, 
Her  Jheets  are  taut,  her  halliards  fajl, 
She  dives  in  the  open  fea  at  laft, 
Towards  the  Sea  of  the  Carribbee. 


CHAPTER 


W  her  ein  the  Adventures 
of  the  Previous  Chapter 
are  continued. 

WHEN  the  boat  from  the  Castle,  con 
taining  the  four  young  men,  arrived 
at  the  bank  of  the  river  which  young 
Hutchinson  knew  so  well,  all  was  qui 
et.  Had  it  been  day,  they  could  easily  have  known 
from  the  freshly  trodden  snow,  that  it  had  been 
recently  visited  by  a  large  body  of  men.  But  in 
the  darkness  they  suspected  nothing. 
"  It  is  so  gloomy,"  said  Captain  Fairweather,  "that 
we  will  have  the  four  men  follow  us  up  the  hill  to 
the  road.  They  can  then  take  the  boat  and  return 
to  the  Castle,  as  we  shall  go  back  by  land  in  the 
morning." 

"  I  think  your  plan  a  good  one,"  answered  Hutch 
inson,  "for  although  the  distance  is  not  great, 
the  fields  are  well  sheltered,  and  afford  ample 
space  for  concealment.  There  is  safety  in  num 
bers." 

They  climbed  up  the  bank,  through  the  brush 
and  under  the  trees,  and  as  the  ascent  began  to 
be  less  wearisome,  they  halted  a  moment  to  catch 
their  breath. 

They  had  reached  that  part  of  the  field  from  which 
by  daylight  one  could  see  both  the  harbour  and 
the  Governor's  house,  when  young  Hutchinson  s 
attention  was  attracted  by  two  or  three  lights 
moving  to  and  fro  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
road. 

"What  can  this  mean?"  he  said,  stopping.  "My 
[70]  father 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         71 

father  and  sister  rarely  go  out  in  the  evening  now, 
and  they  never  have  so  many  lights.  See,  they  are 

increasing.  I  do  believe  there  is  mischief  going 

» 
on. 

He  had  hardly  spoken  when  the  line  of  sycamores 
and  the  snow-clad  fields  were  lighted  up,  showing 
the  house  behind  them.  It  was  as  if  a  sudden  con 
flagration  had  broken  out.  The  next  moment  they 
were  startled  by  a  sharp  yell  in  front  of  them, 
sounding  like  the  barking  of  wolves,  and  they 
could  distinguish  a  dozen  or  more  dark  figures  on 
the  lawn  dancing  and  screeching  like  demons. 
"Good  Heavens! "  cried  Hutchinson,  "they  are  at 
it  already,  and  we  are  just  in  time.  It  is  a  second 
sacking,  and  my  poor  father  and  sister  are  alone 
with  the  servants.  Make  haste,  Captain,  before 
they  accomplish  their  cowardly  work." 
"T©  your  pistols,  men,"  shouted  Captain  Fair- 
weather ,  "and  double-quick  up  this  hill  as  you 
love  your  King." 

They  all  rushed  forward  with  a  cry,  discharging 
their  pistols  when  within  range,  and  before  they 
had  reached  the  lawn  all  was  quiet  and  in  dark 
ness,  and  the  rioters  had  scattered  as  chaff  before 
the  wind.  Not  a  trace  was  left  of  them,  save  a 
few  smouldering  torches,  and  the  smell  of  the 
resinous  smoke. 

"Take  your  arms  and  make  sure  they're  gone," 
said  the  Captain  to  his  men.  "  Catch  some  of  them 
if  you  can.  If  you  find  nothing  return  to  the 
house.  I  should  like  to  have  got  hold  of  that  big 
fellow,"  he  continued,  turning  to  his  companions, 
"but  there  is  no  use  in  following  them  far  in 

this 


72         The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

this  darkness.  They  will  not  attempt  anything 
more,  for  they  are  apparently  timid." 
When  they  reached  the  house  they  were  met  at 
the  front  door  by  the  tall  figure  of  the  Governor, 
who,  true  to  his  word,  was  on  his  way  to  argue 
with  the  rioters,  thinking  them  to  be  of  the  same 
sort  as  those  who  had  appeared  in  Boston  nine 
years  before.  To  his  surprise  he  fell  into  the  arms 
of  his  son. 

"Are  you  safe,  father? "  said  the  breathless  young 
man.  "I  am  thankful  we  came  as  we  did,  for  there 
is  no  saying  what  might  otherwise  have  happened." 
"  Is  that  you,  'Tommy  ?  "  said  the  Governor. "  How 
came  you  here?  Yes,  I  am  well,  but  am  sorry  I 
could  not  have  had  a  word  with  them,  for  I'm 
sure  they  meant  me  no  personal  harm.  Ah,  I  see, 
here  is  Captain  Fairweather,  who  has  disobeyed 
the  commands  I  gave  him  this  morning.  This 
won't  do,  Captain,"  he  continued  with  a  smile. 
"You  have  brought  the  troops  with  you.  Can  you 
excuse  yourself?" 

"I  think,  your  Excellency,"  answered  Fairweath- 
er,  "that  you  will  forgive  me  when  I  tell  you  that 
these  four  men  would  have  returned  with  the  boat 
ere  this,  had  we  not  seen  what  was  taking  place." 
"And  further,  my  dear  father,"  interrupted  young 
Hutchinson,  "these  gentlemen  come  as  my  guests, 
not  as  soldiers." 

"That  being  the  case,"  replied  the  Governor,  "I 
forgive  you  all,  and  ask  you  to  drink  with  me  a 
health  to  King  George" 

They  entered  the  house,  and  soon  the  events  of 
the  evening  were  nearly  forgotten  in  the  agree 
able 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        73 

able  conversation  and  good  punch  of  the  Gov 
ernor. 

But  there  were  two  young  men  on  the  river  who 
had  seen  the  lights,  and  their  sudden  disappear 
ance,  and  who  never  forgot  that  night. 
"There  is  something  wrong,  Charles"  said  Ja- 
quith.  "They  should  not  stop  so  early,  for  they 
have  given  no  time  for  action  on  the  part  of  that 
rascal  Pete  and  the  brig's  crew." 
"Let  us  go  to  the  bank  and  learn  what  we  can," 
answered  Charles.  They  accordingly  rowed  rap 
idly  on,  and  when  they  came  in  sight  of  the  shore 
Jaquith  said,  with  surprise,  "Isn't  that  a  boat? 
Evidently  they  have  not  gone  down  the  river  yet. 
Pull  in  and  we  will  examine  her." 
They  did  so,  and  by  the  aid  of  a  light  read  in  large 
black  letters  the  appalling  name,  " '  Arethusa." 
"By  Heavens!  A  man-of-war's  gig,"  cried  Ja 
quith.  "We  are  trapped.  Turn  and  pull  down  the 
river,  and  let's  get  back  to  town  as  soon  as  we 
can." 

Thus  ended  the  attack  on  Governor  Hutchinson 
in  January,  1774.  Its  immediate  effect  was  not 
serious  to  him,  but  it  was  one  of  the  many  acts 
which  helped  to  wreck  his  life  and  make  it  end 
in  exile. 


CHAPTER 


In  whicl}  the  Garden 
i;  again  frequented. 


IT  was  now  the  end  of  April.  The  snow  had 
gone,  and  the  fresh  green  grass  was  begin 
ning  to  cover  the  pleached  alleys  of  the 
Governor's  garden  with  a  soft  velvet.  The 
sun  was  bright,  buds  were  bursting  on  the  early 
shrubs  and  trees,  and  the  orioles  and  robins  were 
singing  their  joyful  message  of  an  early  summer. 
Nothing  in  all  this  lovely  world  was  more  lovely 
than  the  garden  in  Milton  on  that  spring  day. 
Down  the  middle  walk  three  persons  were  mov 
ing  slowly  towards  the  ha-ha  at  the  foot  of  the 
garden.  The  tall,  somewhat  bent  figure  of  the 
Governor,  his  right  hand  clasping  tenderly  that 
of  a  young  girl,  was  in  the  centre.  On  his  left 
walked  a  young  man. 

The  Governor  stopped  now  and  then,  to  examine 
some  green  shoot  just  peeping  from  the  ground, 
or  to  point  to  the  buds  upon  the  trees  about  them. 
He  had  made  the  place  a  Paradise  on  earth  by  thir 
ty  years  of  loving  labour,  and  watched  its  progress 
with  the  tender  care  bestowed  by  a  doting  parent 
on  a  child.  Reaching  the  end  of  the  path  he  turned 
and  looked  back  through  the  overhanging  branch 
es  towards  the  house.  The  sun  was  shining  over 
its  roof,  throwing  the  shadows  across  the  green 
sod,  giving  the  whole  a  rich  and  varied  colouring. 
"  I  had  hoped  to  be  on  my  way  to  England  by 
this  time,"  he  said,  turning  to  the  young  man, 
"so  that  I  might  return  before  all  the  green  is 
gone.  How  beautiful  it  is  !  I  would  not  leave  it 
[74]  could 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        75 

could  I  not  be  of  better  service  there.  Here  all  is 
fast  becoming  anarchy,  and  my  counsels  are  un 
heeded.  A  few  rebellious  fellows  are  doing  all  the 
mischief,  and  they  will  not  listen  to  any  conces 
sions.  I  wish  you  could  go  with  me,  Tommy,  but 
you  must  remain  to  care  for  the  farm  and  your 
private  affairs.  You  could  not  leave  the  manage 
ment  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Lieutenant  Gov 
ernor  in  such  a  time  of  uncertainty.  But  I  shall 
have  Elisha  and  you,  Peggy,  dearest,"  turning 
with  a  smile  towards  the  girl.  "It  will  be  but  a 
short  time,  and  then  we  shall  all  drink  tea  togeth 
er  once  more  under  these  elms." 
"I  wish  I  might  go  with  you,  father,"  said  Thom 
as,  "but  as  you  say  it  is  impossible.  I  should  not 
regret  were  I  never  to  see  Boston  and  its  rabble 
again,  if  I  could  be  with  you.  This  place  I  love 
because  you  have  made  it  what  it  is,  but  little 
would  I  weep  for  the  rest  of  this  benighted  land." 
"Say  not  so,  my  son,"  replied  the  Governor  with 
warmth. "  Remember  that  the  good  people  are  but 
misguided  by  those  black-hearted  fellows  in  the 
Assembly.  Ere  I  return  all  will  be  changed,  and 
the  spirit  of  loyalty  will  prevail." 
"I  hope  you  are  right,  Sir,"  answered  'Thomas, 
"but  I  fear  that  matters  grow  no  better.  Can  a 
people  who  insult  the  obsequies  of  the  beloved 
Lieutenant  Governor  be  trusted  to  reform?  Noth 
ing  but  force  will  check  them,  for  they  listen  to 
no  arguments  but  those  of  traitors  and  rebels." 
"That  was  indeed  a  sad  affair,"  said  the  Govern 
or,  bowing  his  head,  "and  I  think  the  leaders  are 
ashamed  of  it.  Such  acts  separate  the  chaff  from 

the 


76        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

the  wheat,  and  may  save  it  in  the  end.  But  be  it 
as  it  may,  I  cannot  leave  my  post  of  duty  in  the 
hands  of  a  rebel  council,  and  shall  await  His  Maj 
esty's  orders.  Are  you  impatient  to  leave  these 
scenes,  Peggy  dear?" 

"No,  Sir,"  answered  the  girl,  "I  am  happy  here 
with  you.  But  when  you  are  away  I  sometimes 
crave  the  companionship  of  one  of  my  own  age. 
My  friends  are  separated  from  me,  and  I  see  them 
so  seldom." 

"It  is  but  too  true,  my  dear,"  the  Governor  re 
plied,  "  but  it  is  impossible  for  you  to  go  abroad 
in  such  perilous  times.  The  danger  of  insult  is  too 
great.  But  some  old  friend  might  visit  you  here. 
Is  there  no  one  you  wish  to  see  ?  Speak,  and  she 
shall  be  brought  if  possible." 
"  I've  often  wished  that  Dorothy  Doddridge  might 
be  with  me,"  answered  Peggy,  looking  up  at  her 
father,  "but  'Tommy  says  that  her  mother  and 
brother  are  rebels,  and  that  they  would  not  per 
mit  it." 

"Poor  Amos  I "  said  the  Governor,  with  a  look  of 
tender  recollection.  "That  one  so  loyal  should 
leave  such  to  represent  him  !  His  wife  has  sorely 
changed  since  his  death,  for  she  was  once  loyal, 
too.  I  don't  know  that  her  mother  will  allow  it," 
he  continued,  addressing  Peggy,  "but  you  may 
ask  Dorothy  to  come." 

"No,  father,"  replied  she,  "I  fear  it  might  cause 
you  annoyance.  It  is  well  known  that  her  broth 
er  Charles  has  spoken  harsh  words  about  you,  and 
that  Mrs.  Doddridge  is  very  bitter,  so  I  doubt  if 
they  would  permit  it.  Dear  Dorothy  is  a  sweet 

girl> 


The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN.        77 

girl,  and  I  love  her  so  well  that  it  would  be  a  com 
fort  to  have  her  with  me,  but  I  must  not  think 
of  it." 

' '  They  cannot  refuse  you  this, "  answered  the  Gov 
ernor,  raising  his  head  with  dignity.  "  Go  and  write 
a  note  to  Dorothy,  and  I  will  forward  it  with  a  word 
to  her  mother,  as  soon  as  it  is  ready.  It  would  in 
deed  be  unkind  of  her  to  reject  the  invitation." 
Peggy  kissed  her  father,  and  ran  towards  the  house, 
her  heart  full  of  joy  at  the  prospect  of  seeing  her 
friend. 

Before  Mr.  Doddridge  s  death,  he  and  Mr.  Hutch- 
inson  had  been  strongly  attached  to  each  other.  As 
representatives  in  the  General  Court  they  stood 
shoulder  to  shoulder,  and  it  was  Doddridge 's  un 
flinching  loyalty  to  his  friend  that  had  enabled  him 
successfully  to  combat  the  demagogues  who  had 
attempted  to  wreck  the  finances  of  the  Province. 
In  those  days  he  and  his  young  wife  had  been  fre 
quent  visitors  at  Milton,  and  in  later  years  Charles 
and  Dorothy  had  been  there  much.  But  things  had 
changed  in  the  last  two  or  three  years,  and  the 
girls  had  scarcely  seen  each  other.  It  was  a  great 
grief  to  them  both,  and  Peggy  had  often  thought 
of  asking  her  father's  consent  to  invite  her  friend, 
so  when  he  asked  her  whether  there  was  no  young 
companion  she  wished  to  have  visit  her,  she  had 
taken  courage  to  ask  for  her  company. 
After  Peggy  had  left  them,  the  others  started  back 
towards  the  house.  "Has  Captain  Fair  weather" 
asked  the  Governor,  "been  able  to  find  the  mes 
senger  who  brought  me  the  warning  on  the  day 
before  you  and  he  dispersed  the  mob  from  before 

the 


78        'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

the  house?  There  are  loyal  hearts  here  yet,  but 
why  should  they  wish  to  hide  themselves?  It  is 
indeed  sad  that  the  King's  faithful  subjects  are 
obliged  to  act  in  secret." 

"All  that  has  been  discovered,"  answered  Thom 
as,  "is  that  the  man  was  dark  and  rode  a  brown 
horse.  He  will  be  found,  though,  for  both  Colonel 
Leslie  and  Major  Phillips  are  anxious  to  reward 
him.  The  gentlemen  at  the  Castle  are  much  in 
terested  also." 

"Have  they  the  identity  of  any  of  the  fellows 
who  were  here?"  inquired  the  Governor.  "It  was 
not  a  serious  affair,  but  they  should  not  be  en 
couraged  by  the  neglect  of  the  authorities.  No 
doubt  the  messenger  could  tell  us  much  were  he 
found." 

"I  will  steal  down  to  the  Castle  this  afternoon," 
said  Thomas,  "and  learn  what  I  can.  I  need  a 
change,  for  I  have  been  going  from  house  to 
barn,  from  barn  to  house,  and  the  monotony  is 
wearing  me  out.  The  store  is  closed,  and  seems 
likely  to  remain  so,  for  an  honest  man  is  forbid 
den  to  earn  his  livelihood  in  these  days.  But  I 
may  get  some  news  at  the  Castle,  and  I  am  sore 
ly  in  need  of  it." 

"Do  not  attempt  going  to  the  town,"  said  his 
father.  "  They  would  do  you  an  injury  if  they  saw 
you." 

On  entering  the  house  the  Governor  retired  to  his 
study,  and  Thomas  to  his  room  to  prepare  for  his 
afternoon  excursion.  Since  the  occurrence  of  Jan 
uary,  he  had  been  but  seldom  on  the  river,  and 
he  now  took  special  care  to  provide  himself  with 

pistols 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 


79 


pistols  and  sword.  He  would  have  felt  no  regret 
at  having  to  use  them  with  effect,  for  he  was 
wrought  up  to  a  state  of  anger  which  knew  no 
bounds.  He  and  his  brother  had  been  deprived 
of  their  business ;  his  father  threatened  and  in 
sulted,  and  all  for  no  fault  of  their  own. 


CHAPTER 


an  Invitation 

.  was  given  by  His 

Excellency. 

ABOUT  four  o'clock  that  afternoon, 
young  Hutchinson  started  across  the 
fields  to  the  river,  taking  with  him 
the  letters  to  Mrs.  Doddridge  and 
Dorothy,  hoping  to  find  a  bearer  for  them  at  the 
Castle.  He  found  his  boat  safe  on  the  gravelly 
beach,  and  jumping  in  pulled  leisurely  down  the 
river.  He  did  not  hurry,  for  he  desired  to  reach 
the  Castle  after  dark,  and  there  was  ample  time. 
The  air  was  warm,  and  he  felt  refreshed  after  his 
confinement.  Nothing  disturbed  the  quiet,  except 
the  shore  birds  and  sea-gulls  which  hovered  over 
the  river  and  marshes.  He  wondered  how  God 
could  permit  such  a  beautiful  land  to  be  poisoned 
with  the  spirit  of  rebellion.  His  mind  wandered 
back  to  the  days  of  his  boyhood,  when  he  and  his 
brothers  and  sisters  paddled  about  these  same  wa 
ters  without  fear  of  molestation,  and  their  songs 
and  laughter  echoed  from  the  banks  and  hum 
mocks  without  restraint.  Now  he  was  forced  to 
steal  along  like  a  thief  at  night,  hardly  daring  to 
speak  to  himself.  He  was  not  cowardly;  he  was 
even  reckless  ;  but  he  knew  his  position  too  well, 
and  the  danger  if  he  were  seen  by  the  more  law 
less  people.  He  therefore  crept  on  slowly  as  far 
as  the  river's  mouth,  then  turned  his  boat  towards 
the  harbour,  and  headed  her  for  the  Castle. 
The  sun  was  getting  low,  and  it  would  take  him 
half  an  hour  more,  so  he  began  to  pull  a  vigor- 
[80]  ous 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        81 

ous  stroke,  when  he  noticed  lying  directly  in  his 
path  a  number  of  boats  filled  with  people,  who 
were  throwing  stones  and  other  missiles  towards 
the  war-ships  and  the  Castle,  and  although  he 
could  not  hear  what  they  said,  they  were  undoubt 
edly  hurling  blasphemies  along  with  them.  It  was 
only  too  apparent  to  him  that  he  must  postpone 
his  visit  until  after  nightfall,  so  he  turned  and 
rowed  towards  Boston,  intending  to  keep  out  of 
sight  until  a  better  opportunity  of  reaching  the 
Castle  should  present  itself. 
It  then  occurred  to  him  that  he  had  the  letters  for 
Dorothy  and  her  mother,  and  that  they  should  be 
delivered  at  once  if  possible.  He  could  easily  do 
the  errand  himself,  for  there  could  be  but  little 
danger  in  reaching  their  house,  and  a  word  from 
him  might  cause  Mrs.  Doddridge  to  give  the  mat 
ter  favorable  consideration.  Accordingly  when  the 
sun  had  set  he  pulled  along  the  shore  to  Bull's 
Wharf,  and  landing,  secured  his  boat  to  one  of 
the  piers.  He  looked  about  him.  There  was  no 
one  in  sight,  and  the  stillness  was  only  broken  by 
the  swashing  of  the  waters  against  the  wharf  and 
adjoining  shore. 

Walking  rapidly  by  Flounder  Lane  to  Summer 
Street,  he  met  few  people  and  these  paid  little  heed 
to  him.  Nearing  the  new  South  Church  he  contin 
ued  at  a  slower  gait,  until  he  reached  Mrs.  Dod- 
dridge  s  house.  As  he  approached  it  he  heard  the 
door  shut  and  a  step  come  towards  the  street. 
Drawing  back  quickly  into  the  shade  of  one  of 
the  large  elms,  he  remained  quiet.  A  man  came 

out 


82         'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

out  of  the  gate  and  was  immediately  joined  by  an 
other,  who  came  from  the  direction  of  cT Acosta  s 
pastures.  As  they  passed  the  tree  behind  which 
Hutchinson  was  hidden,  he  heard  the  first  one 
saying,— 

"I  got  the  chance  of  a  word  with  Dorothy.  She 
says  that  Charles  is  still  bent  upon  his  foolish  er 
rand,  and  is  exasperated  at  his  last  failure.  I  may 
have  to  go  to  Milton  again  with  a  note  of  warn- 
ing." 

"Let  me  go,  "replied  the  other,  "they  might  ques 
tion  you  were  you  to  be  seen  there  again,  and  we 
don't  wish  to  cause  Doddridge  trouble." 
Hutchinson  caught  no  more,  but  he  had  heard 
enough  to  satisfy  him. 

"David  Whittemore,  as  I  live,"  he  said  to  himself. 
"Can  it  have  been  he  who  brought  that  letter, 
and  did  none  of  the  servants  know  him  ?  Ah  !  I 
forget  that  all  except  Mark  and  Riley  have  been 
changed.  But  why  should  he  bring  it?  I  thought 
he  was  a  rebel  and  a  Son  of  Liberty.  From  what  he 
said,  it  must  have  been  Dorothy  who  sent  it,  and 
Charles  must  be  one  of  the  villains  who  planned 
that  atrocious  act." 

He  waited  a  while,  and  then  going  to  the  door, 
knocked  and  was  admitted. 
When  Mrs.  Doddridge  entered  the  parlour  where 
he  was  awaiting  her,  a  look  of  astonishment  spread 
over  her  face,  and  throwing  her  head  back  haugh 
tily,  she  said: 

"This  is  an  unexpected  visit,  Mr.  Hutchinson.  It 
is  long  since  you  have  condescended  so  far,  and 

you 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         83 

you  ought  not  to  wonder  at  my  surprise.  You 
must  have  an  important  message  to  undertake  so 
perilous  a  journey." 

"  Mrs.  Doddridge"  answered  Thomas  courteously, 
and  bowing  low,  "  I  have  indeed  an  important  mes 
sage,  otherwise  I  would  not  have  troubled  you  at 
this  time.  You  are  unjust  to  me,  for  neither  my 
father  nor  I  have  ever  refused  to  visit  you.  Like 
many  another  in  the  Province  you  have  turned 
against  us;  not  we  against  you.  And  why?" 
"Mr.  Hutchinson"  she  interrupted,  "we  have 
borne  until  we  can  bear  no  longer.  Do  you  deny 
that  you  and  your  partners  have  done  all  in  your 
power  to  ruin  us  ?  Do  you  deny  that  your  father, 
as  Governor  of  the  Province,  has  upheld  all  the 
shameful  laws  that  are  breaking  up  our  homes 
and  starving  our  people?  I  would  gladly  believe 
that  this  is  not  so,  but  I  fear  I  am  not  mistaken. 
Do  I  not  speak  the  truth?" 
"It  is  true,  Mrs.  Doddridge"  answered  Hutchin- 
son^  coolly,  "  that  you  have  suffered,  that  the  peo 
ple  of  the  colonies  are  suffering.  It  is  true  that  I 
was  made  one  of  the  consignees  of  the  tea  which 
has  caused  so  much  trouble.  It  is  true  that  my 
honoured  father,  Governor  of  the  Province,  has 
upheld  the  laws  of  Parliament,  and  enforced  the 
orders  of  His  Most  Gracious  Majesty.  But  it  is 
not  true,"  he  continued  with  emphasis,  "that  he 
has  enforced  unjust  laws,  or  that  he  has  aided  in 
causing  the  ruin  of  the  people.  His  every  act  has 
been  in  accordance  with  his  oath  of  allegiance. 
Never  has  a  heavy  burthen  been  placed  upon  the 

people 


84        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

people  that  he  has  not  given  his  whole  heart  to 
lightening  it.  Never  has  an  unjust  law  been  passed 
that  he  has  not  used  his  greatest  energies  to  have 
it  modified.  As  for  me  and  my  friends,  the  con 
signees,  it  is  well  known  that  we  were  made  such 
against  our  desires.  We  have  lost  a  lucrative  busi 
ness  in  consequence,  and  we  are  sufferers  as  well 
as  others.  We  differ  in  our  point  of  view,  Madam, 
that  is  all.  We  have  done  what  we  know  to  be 
our  duty;  perhaps  the  people  of  Boston  think  they 
are  doing  theirs.  If  so,  I  fear  they  don't  under 
stand  what  it  is." 

"They  understand  so  much,  "answered  Mrs.  Dod- 
dridge,  taking  a  step  forward,  "  that  they  have  de 
cided  to  put  up  with  these  things  no  longer.  They 
understand  enough  to  know  that  your  father  is 
their  enemy,  and  cannot,  or  will  not,  help  them. 
Why  does  he  not  do  as  they  do,  and  stand  by  their 
rights?  Why  does  he  allow  our  men  to  be  shot, 
our  maidens  to  be  insulted?  Tell  me  why?" 
"He  permits  none  of  these  things,  and  you  well 
know  it,  Mrs.  Doddridge"  answered  Hutchinson 
quietly.  "  You  must  be  aware  that  he  has  always 
punished  acts  of  violence.  But  tell  me  why  the 
people  insult  him  ?  attempt  to  mob  him  ?  threat 
en  him?  And  why  do  they  do  these  things  in  the 
dark?  He  does  his  duty  openly;  they  make  their 
plans  in  secret.  Is  not  his  course  the  more  honour 
able?" 

"They  do  those  things,"  she  replied,  "because 
they  have  no  other  means  of  freeing  themselves. 
Would  you  have  them  shot  down  like  beasts? 

They 


The  GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        85 

They  have  tried  argument  and  persuasion ;  this 
is  all  that  is  left  to  them." 
"Mrs.  Doddridge"  said  Hutchinson,  placing  a 
chair  for  her,  "I  did  not  come  to  quarrel  with 
you,  and  I'm  sorry  that  you  feel  towards  us  as  you 
do.  I  come  not  as  an  enemy,  but  as  the  son  of 
Mr.  Doddridge's  old  friend.  Do  not  be  angry ;  do 
not  let  the  heat  of  these  times  make  those  unhap 
py  who  do  not  deserve  to  be  so.  Will  you  listen 
to  me  for  a  minute?" 

"You  are  right,"  she  said,  seating  herself,  and  her 
manner  softening  a  little  as  she  thought  of  her 
husband,  "I  should  not  have  received  you  so.  But 
do  not  blame  me.  Speak,  and  I  will  listen." 
"My  father,"  began  'Thomas,  "goes  to  England 
in  a  few  weeks  to  be  away  several  months.  Ah! 
I  grieve  to  see  that  this  pleases  you.  Yes,  he  goes, 
but  it  is  in  the  interest  of  the  Province.  My  sis 
ter  goes  with  him,  and  she  has  one  friend  whom 
she  wishes  to  see  before  her  departure.  Do  you 
understand,  Madam?  She  begs  that  you  will  allow 
your  daughter  to  visit  her.  I  bring  two  letters  with 
me,  one  from  her  to  Dorothy;  the  other  to  you 
from  my  father.  Will  you  read  them?" 
Mrs.  Doddridge  hesitated.  For  a  moment  she  felt 
that  perhaps  she  was  unjust  in  putting  so  much 
blame  upon  her  husband's  old  friend.  She  took 
the  letters,  and  read  hers  slowly.  When  she  had 
finished  she  raised  her  eyes,  saying,  "Do  you  and 
he  know  what  you  are  asking  of  me?  Do  you  real 
ize  that  for  one  of  my  family  to  break  bread  in 
your  father's  house  would  stamp  us  as  traitors? 

No, 


86       The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

No,  Mr.  Hutchinsoiiy  I  must  refuse,  though  you 
may  think  me  ungracious.  I  fear  that  Dorothy's 
mind  is  somewhat  poisoned  already,  for  she  does 
not  see  the  meaning  of  all  these  things  as  I  do. 
Forgive  me,  you  cannot  understand  my  feelings." 
"I  do,  very  well,"  he  said,  "but  you  and  your 
son  will  not  be  there,  although  I  know  that  you 
would  both  be  welcome.  This  is  but  a  young  girl's 
fancy  to  have  her  dearest  friend  with  her.  Pray 
let  it  be  satisfied.  Don't  make  them  suffer  when 
there  is  no  need.  I  will  send  my  boat  for  her  with 
Peggy  and  two  trusted  men,  and  she  can  steal  up 
the  river  without  notice.  Think  of  what  I  have 
risked  to  bring  this  message  to  you.  Were  I  seen 
in  the  streets  of  Boston  I  might  be  roughly  han 
dled." 

"  Mr.  Hutchinson"  she  answered, "  you  have  acted 
bravely  in  this  matter,  and  should  be  treated  kind 
ly."  She  hesitated  a  moment  and  then  added:  "It 
is  true  that  no  one  need  know  of  it,  and  that  Peg 
gy  will  soon  go  away.  Let  me  reflect.  I'll  speak 
with  Dorothy,  and  will  let  you  know  my  decision 
to-morrow.  But  how  can  I  reach  you?" 
"I'll  wait  now  if  you  will  consult  Dorothy  at 
once,"  answered  Thomas. 

"I  will  do  so,  but  I  must  speak  with  her  alone  if 
you'll  allow  me." 

She  left  the  room.  After  some  minutes  she  re 
turned.  Her  eyes  were  moist,  and  her  manner  was 
gentler.  She  said,  as  she  entered,  "I  am  afraid  I 
am  weak.  I  could  never  have  thought  this  possi 
ble.  She  may  go." 

Hutchinson 


T'he   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        87 

Hutchinson  took  her  hand  respectfully,  and  said : 
"I  thank  you,  Madam,  and  I  think  you  will  not 
repent  this  act.  At  four  o'clock  to-morrow  after 
noon  then,  send  Dorothy  to  the  Point  where  we 
had  our  boat  in  the  old  days.  Peggy  will  be  wait 
ing  for  her  there.  Good  night,  and  may  you  soon 
learn  that  my  father  is  the  best  friend  the  Prov 
ince  has." 

With  this  he  took  his  leave,  and  returning  to  his 
boat,  reached  the  Castle  without  accident. 


CHAPTER 


Wherein  the  Govern- 

.  „..,  /w/toft-OT  /,  ,,. 

cepted. 

ON  the  following  morning  young  Hutch- 
inson  left  the  Castle  in  company  with 
Captain  Fair  weather  ^  and  rowed  to 
Milton.  On  his  arrival  he  immediately 
sought  his  sister  to  tell  her  of  the  success  of  his  ef 
forts  in  her  behalf.  She  was  delighted,  and  at  once 
began  preparations  for  her  trip  to  the  Point.  Then 
he  sought  his  father,  whom  he  found  in  the  study 
engrossed  in  his  correspondence.  On  seeing  him 
the  Governor  said,  "You  have  returned  early,  my 
son.  I  did  not  expect  you  before  nightfall.  But  I 
am  pleased  to  have  you  here  in  safety,  for  I  had 
some  anxiety  lest  you  should  be  seen  in  the  har 
bour.  What  did  you  learn  at  the  Castle?  Nothing 
good,  I  fear." 

"I  have  learned  much,"  answered  'Thomas ',  "but 
not  at  the  Castle.  I  disregarded  your  warning  and 
sought  Mrs.  Doddridge  in  her  house.  There  was 
no  danger,"  he  continued,  for  his  father  looked 
displeased.  "It  was  dark,  and  /was  seen  by  no  one. 
But  I  saw  some  one  for  whom  we  have  been  look 
ing  for  weeks." 

He  then  related  what  he  had  seen  and  overheard. 
The  Governor  knit  his  brows  and  thought  a  mo 
ment.  Then  he  said  doubtingly,  "There  must  be 
some  mistake,  my  son.  Young  Doddridge  is  un 
doubtedly  misguided,  and  would  perhaps  do  an 
unlawful  act,  but  he  would  not  attempt  violence 
upon  the  person  of  his  father's  friend.  No,  Tom- 
[88]  my, 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        89 

my,  that  part  of  it  you  have  ill-understood.  But 
Whittemore?  You  are  sure  it  was  he?" 
"Yes,  father,"  answered  Thomas,  "I  know  his 
carriage  and  voice,  and  his  companion  addressed 
him  as  'David'  There  is  no  error  in  this.  Do  you 
wish  him  sent  for?  I'm  sure  he'll  not  come  unless 
assured  that  he'll  not  be  questioned  as  to  the 
source  of  his  information.  For  if  I'm  right  about 
Charles,  he  wouldn't  wish  to  betray  him." 
"You  argue  correctly,"  said  his  father,  "but  this 
can  be  arranged,  and  we  will  send  him  such  a  mes 
sage  that  he  will  have  no  hesitation  in  coming  to 
us.  But  how  fare  the  gentlemen  at  the  Castle  ?  Are 
your  wife  and  little  ones  tolerably  well  off?" 
"Colonel  Leslie  and  the  officers  are  most  kind," 
answered  Thomas,  "  and  give  them  every  comfort. 
But  I  forgot  to  say  that  I  have  brought  Captain 
Fair-weather  with  me,  thinking  that  he  might  be 
of  service  to  us.  He  has  gone  to  his  room,  and  will 
be  ready  to  speak  with  you  when  you  are  at  leis 
ure.  I  have  great  confidence  in  him,  and  so  has 
the  Colonel,  and  if  you  agree,  Sir,  I  will  make  him 
acquainted  with  what  I  have  just  told  you." 
"You  may  do  so,  my  son,  and  I  have  faith  that  he 
will  act  wisely  and  with  sound  sense."  Bowing  re 
spectfully,  Thomas  withdrew  to  his  own  room. 
At  about  seven  o'clock  that  evening  the  cheer 
ful  voices  of  two  young  girls  could  have  been 
heard  issuing  from  the  Red  Room  in  the  south 
wing,  overlooking  the  garden,  orchards  and  fields, 
towards  the  Blue  Hills  and  Eramtree.  The  bright 
carpet ;  the  crimson  damask  curtains ;  the  four- 
post  bedstead,  also  with  crimson  hangings;  the 

mahogany 


90        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

mahogany  chairs  covered  with  the  same  stuff,  all 
looked  bright  and  cheerful  in  the  dancing  fire 
light.  Peggy  and  Dorothy  were  happy  on  this  night, 
although  they  had  both  suffered  much  of  late.  But 
now  they  forgot  it  all  and  recalled  the  days  of  their 
childhood,  when  they  ran  about  the  garden  and 
over  the  fields,  picking  the  wild  flowers  and  pluck 
ing  the  fruit. 

"To-morrow,"  said  Dorothy  gaily,  "I'll  jump  on 
Fairy  and  canter  over  the  old  roads  and  fields. 
Peggy  darling,  I  have  been  shut  up  so  long  in  Bos 
ton,  that  I  have  hardly  breathed  the  fresh  air,  and 
I've  felt  stifled.  But  now  I'll  make  the  most  of  this 
dear  place,  and  be  a  girl  again." 
"And  I  will  go  with  you,  Dorothy.  I,  too,  have 
been  much  kept  in-doors  of  late.  My  father  fears 
my  going  abroad  alone  because  of  the  disturbances 
in  the  town.  He  says  it  is  not  safe  for  me.  Do  you 
think  they  would  harm  me?" 
"  They  wouldn't  harm  you,  Peggy.  It  is  the  men 
against  whom  they  feel  bitterly.  It's  your  father 
and  brothers,  the  chief  justice,  and  the  army.  But 
I  don't  agree  with  them.  You  knew  that,  did  you 
not?" 

"Tommy  told  me  so,  and  it  made  me  very  happy. 
Why  do  they  wish  to  harm  so  good,  kind  and 
patient  a  soul  as  my  dear  father?  They  don't  know 
him  as  we  do.  Loving,  generous,  thinking  never 
of  himself;  always  of  others.  Not  a  day  passes  that 
he  does  not  grieve  for  the  people,  and  express  his 
distress  at  their  sufferings.  It's  unjust  and  unkind, 
Dorothy." 

"It 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        91 

"It  will  not  last  long,"  said  Dorothy.  "They  will 
change.  Is  it  not  a  good  sign  that  I  was  allowed  to 
come  to  you?  I  grieve  to  say  it,  but  I  feared  I  might 
never  be  permitted  to  do  so  again.  But  I'm  here 
and  I'm  happy." 

A  little  later  as  they  drank  tea  in  the  oak-panelled 
dining  room,  no  one  would  have  suspected  what 
was  in  the  minds  of  most  of  the  party.  The  Gov 
ernor,  at  the  head  of  the  table,  was  life  and  wit 
itself,  making  all  hearts  light.  No  word  was  said 
of  existing  conditions  in  the  Colony,  for  'Thomas 
and  Peggy  alone  were  certain  ofDorofhy's  position, 
and  the  Governor  did  not  wish  to  offend  her.  After 
tea  was  over,  the  two  girls  were  left  to  themselves 
in  the  parlour,  while  the  others  retired  to  the  study, 
where  they  remained  until  a  late  hour. 
"I  think,  your  Excellency,"  said  Fairweather,  in 
answer  to  a  question,  "that  it  would  be  well  to 
summon  Mr.  Whittemore  to  Milton.  If  he  is  loyal 
he  will  come  without  doubt." 
"He  must  be  loyal,"  said  the  Governor,  "but  he 
is  also  an  old  friend  of  Charles  Doddridge,  and  if 
Tommy  is  right,  he  may  wish  to  shield  him.  I  can 
not  believe  that  Charles  had  any  hand  in  the  riot. 
If  he  did,  I  wish  to  spare  him  if  possible,  on  his  sis 
ter's  account.  There  must  be  others  more  guilty, 
and  we  will  look  for  them." 
"Make  it  known  to  Mr.  Whittemore  that  he  will 
not  be  questioned,  and  I  am  sure  he'll  come  will 
ingly,"  the  Captain  replied. 
"I  will  do  so.  Tommy  will  write  to  him,  for  he 
knows  him  well." 

CHAPTER 


In  which 

Whittemore  fays  what 
he  thinks. 

~W ^ZRA  and  Charles  had  waited  in  vain  for  the 
Ay  return  of  the  brig.  At  first  they  thought  that 
M.  J  she  was  biding  her  time  until  suspicion  had 
subsided,  but  as  the  weeks  passed  in  rapid  succes 
sion  they  finally  became  convinced  that  she  had 
been  captured,  and  gave  up  all  hope.  Jaquith  de 
termined  more  than  ever  to  lose  no  opportunity 
of  revenge.  Towards  the  end  of  April,  Mrs.  Dod- 
dridge  and  Charles  asked  him  to  share  their  home, 
and  on  the  evening  of  the  day  Dorothy  went  to  Mil 
ton  he  became  her  mother's  guest.  When  Charles 
learned  where  Dorothy  had  gone  he  was  at  first 
very  angry.  But  on  being  told  that  the  Governor 
was  soon  to  sail  for  England  he  had  become  calm, 
for  such  good  news  was  enough  to  reconcile  him 
to  anything.  They  had  succeeded,  he  thought,  in 
making  the  Province  too  hot  for  His  Excellency. 
Jaquith,  however,  felt  differently  at  her  absence, 
though  he  did  not  confess  it  to  his  friend.  The  truth 
was  that  he  had  set  his  heart  on  the  beautiful  girl, 
whom  he  had  met  of  late  on  terms  of  close  friend 
ship.  He  had  not  realized  it  until  he  found  her  gone, 
and  gone,  as  he  thought,  into  the  enemy's  camp. 
He  feared  no  rivalry,  however,  for  he  imagined 
none  at  Milton.  But,  as  in  the  case  of  his  lost  brig, 
there  was  no  redress;  and  he  had  to  submit.  He 
had  changed  in  these  three  months,  and  was  mo 
rose  and  often  overbearing.  He  spoke  little,  but 
thought  much. 

[92]  No 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.         93 

No  further  search  had  been  made  in  the  White 
Cock  Tavern,  and  the  two  young  men  strolled  there 
almost  every  day,  for  they  were  sure  of  meeting 
many  friends  and  sympathizers.  They  had  noticed 
that  of  late,  one  who  had  once  been  a  constant  at 
tendant  at  their  gatherings,  was  never  there.  Whit- 
temoreha.dn.ot  entered  the  tavern  since  New  Year's 
Eve,  and  Caleb  White  had  often  remarked  upon 
his  absence,  and  the  Sons  of  Liberty  were  much  in 
censed  at  his  neglect.  Charles  had  frequently  spok 
en  to  David  about  this,  but  as  he  answered  little, 
he  finally  guessed  the  truth;  that  he  had  abandoned 
the  cause.  But  one  evening,  as  they  were  seated  in 
the  parlour  of  the  house  in  Summer  Street,  dis 
cussing  the  important  news  of  the  day, — that  of 
the  refusal  of  the  Chief  Justice  to  accept  his  salary 
from  the  Province, — they  were  interrupted  by  the 
arrival  of  Whittemore.  He  was  received  kindly  by 
Mrs.  Doddridge,  but  the  two  young  men  greeted 
him  coolly.  After  a  while,  Charles  asked  with 
warmth,  "What  do  you  think,  David,  of  the  im 
pudence  of  the  Chief  Justice?  He  still  maintains 
that  he  is  the  servant  of  the  Crown,  and  that  he 
will  receive  his  salary  from  none  save  the  King. 
Was  anything  so  outrageous  ever  heard?" 
" I  think,"  replied  DtfwWquietly,  "that  he  isdoing 
his  duty.  Why  shouldn't  he  receive  his  salary  as 
the  law  requires?  Why  should  the  people  take  this 
matter  into  their  hands  and  attempt  to  dictate  to 
the  government?  I  see  no  reason  why  we  should 
not  obey  the  laws,  and  be  good  subjects." 
His  three  companions  started.  "Do  you  know 
what  you  are  saying? "  asked  Jaquith,  taking  a  step 

towards 


94        The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

towards  him.  "Do  you  come  here  to  say  such 
things?  I  am  surprised  that  you  should  hold  such 
unpatriotic  sentiments.  Do  you  not  know  that 
this  act  is  striking  at  our  dearest  liberties,  and  that 
it  is  intended  as  an  insult  to  the  Province?" 
"  I  know  nothing  of  the  kind,"  David  replied,  un 
moved.  "Do  you  not  know  that  the  judges  have 
been  ill-paid,  and  at  times  cannot  get  what  is  due 
them?  Do  you  imagine  that  they  propose  to  serve 
for  nothing? " 

"I  have  noticed  of  late  that  you  take  less  inter 
est  in  your  country  than  was  your  wont,"  said  Ja- 
quith  excitedly.  "What's  the  reason  of  this  change? 
Is  there  something  to  be  gained  by  it?" 
"There  is  nothing  to  be  gained  by  argument  with 
you,"  said  David,  turning  from  Jaquith  towards 
Mrs.  Doddridge. 

"I  will  not  argue  with  you  then,"  said  Ezra,  now 
in  a  passion,  "  but  I  will  say  one  word  more.  I  knew 
you  were  losing  interest  in  the  cause  of  liberty, 
but  I  didn't  believe  you  were  a  traitor." 
Whittemore  turned  upon  him,  flushed  with  anger. 
"What  do  you  say?  Do  you,  the  smuggler,  the 
breaker  of  laws,  the  would-be  destroyer  of  your 
sovereign's  representative,  dare  call  me  a  traitor, 
because  I  don't  wish  to  join  you  in  your  infamous 
work?  It's  you,  who  should  be  shunned  by  all  self- 
respecting  men.  Pardon  me,  Mrs.  Doddridge,  for 
saying  these  things  in  your  presence,  but  I  came 
here  on  a  friendly  visit,  and  have  been  insulted, — 
called  traitor."  Then  again  addressing  Jaquith,  he 
added,  "Either  you  will  apologize  to  me,  or  you 
may  expect  to  hear  from  me.  I'll  give  you  until 
to-morrow  to  cool  down." 

Ezra 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.        95 

Ezra  was  white  with  rage  and  attempted  to  re 
ply,  but  before  he  could  do  so,  David  had  bowed 
stiffly  and  left  the  house.  He  was  not  sorry  for  what 
he  had  said,  and  he  was  not  the  aggressor.  He  had 
gone  to  Mrs.  Doddridgis  in  the  hope  of  seeing 
Dorothy,  not  expecting  to  meet  Ezra  there,  and 
when  the  latter  had  called  him  traitor  it  had  stung 
him. 

Whittemore  had  always  been  at  heart  a  Tory.  He 
hardly  knew  it  himself  until  recent  events  had 
set  him  to  considering  matters  more  seriously.  He 
was  a  Boston  boy;  a  classmate  of  both  Doddridge 
and  Jaquith;  and  had  been  brought  up  in  the  midst 
of  all  the  troubles  of  the  last  years.  But  he  had  al 
ways  been  thoughtful,  reasoning  in  his  own  way, 
and  making  up  his  own  mind,  and  had  now  come 
to  the  decision  that  although  the  government  was 
hard  in  many  ways,  yet  it  had  done  many  good 
things,  and  had  made  it  possible  for  the  Colonies 
to  be  what  they  were.  Yet  it  was  not  until  his  meet 
ing  with  Doddridge  on  New  Year's  Eve  that  he 
really  knew  with  whom  he  sympathized,  and  he 
then  and  there  decided  where  his  duty  lay,  and  re 
solved  to  protect  the  Governor,  should  it  be  in  his 
power  to  do  so.  After  leaving  the  tavern  on  that 
evening,  he  had  made  up  his  mind  to  forestall  his 
friend's  impetuosity.  For  some  days  he  could  think 
of  nothing  to  do,  but  knowing  Charles's  love  for 
his  young  sister,  he  finally  decided  to  communi 
cate  with  her  and  urge  her  to  influence  him.  Dorothy 
knew  it  would  enrage  her  brother  to  learn  that  his 
friend  had  betrayed  his  secret,  and  she  could  not 
bring  herself  to  speak  to  him.  She  therefore  wrote 

an 


96        'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

an  anonymous  letter  to  the  Governor,  warning 
him  of  impending  danger,  and  put  it  in  David's 
hands  to  be  delivered.  The  result  we  know. 
The  morning  following  his  quarrel  with  Ezra,  as 
he  was  about  going  out,  a  servant  handed  him  a 
letter  which  had  just  been  brought  by  a  messen 
ger  who  was  awaiting  a  reply.  Breaking  it  open  he 
read  as  follows: — 
David  Whittemore,  Efq'r: 
Sir: 

Having  ascertained  that  you  have  done  us  a  great 
Service^  my  Father  defires  me  to  requejt  that  you  will  viflt 
him  at  Milton  at  once,  that  he  may  in  per/on  thank  you  for 
your  Regard  for  him,  and  for  your  Loyalty  to  His  Majef- 
ty  the  King.  Be  ajjured,  Sir,  that  the  Motives  for  your 
Attion  will  be  permitted  to  remain  in  your  fole  pojfejjion, 
and  that  we  wijh  but  to  exprefs  our  Gratitude. 
Tour  Obedient  Servant, 

Thomas  Hutchinson,  Jun'r. 

"This  is  a  strange  matter,"  thought  Whittemore. 
"How  could  it  be  known  by  His  Excellency  that 
it  was  I  who  carried  Dorothy 's  message?  But  I  will 
go,  for  after  last  evening's  occurrence  there  is 
nothing  more  to  hide.  I  have  now  openly  taken 
sides."  He  wrote  a  note  accepting  the  invitation, 
and  decided  to  start  in  the  early  afternoon. 


CHAPTER 


a  Liberty  Tree 

'wasplantedandwhat 

Fruit  it  bore. 

SOON  after  Whittemore  left  them,  Charles 
and  Ezra  went  out,  and  walked  rapidly 
towards  the  White  Cock.  Conditions  had 
grown  so  much  more  serious  in  the  past 
few  weeks,  and  the  cause  of  the  colonists  had  made 
such  headway,  that  they  had  become  emboldened, 
and  those  remaining  loyal  to  the  crown  were  now 
cautious  and  on  the  defensive.  It  was  without  con 
cealment,  therefore,  that  the  Sons  of  Liberty  held 
their  meetings,  and  the  White  Cock  Tavern  was 
every  evening  filled  with  enthusiastic,  determined 
patriots.  This  evening  was  no  exception,  and  on 
entering  the  long  hall,  Charles  and  Ezra  found 
some  thirty  young  men  talking,  and  drinking 
toasts  to  Samuel  Adams  and  John  Hancock,  and 
making  uncomplimentary  remarks  about  the  King 
and  the  Governor.  Seeing  them  come  in,  some  one 
shouted  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  room,  "Here 
are  two  more,  and  they  are  welcome.  Come,  drink 
a  toast  to  Mr.  Adams,  'To  that  sturdy  tree  of 
Liberty,  whose  branches  shall  spread  over  all  the 
land.'"  They  all  arose  with  a  shout,  and  drank. 
"Now  where  is  our  friend,  David  Whittemore ?  " 
continued  the  speaker.  "He  should  be  here  to 
night,  for  we  are  going  to  plant  a  liberty  tree  in 
the  centre  of  the  table.  Come,  Mr.  White,  clear  off 
the  punch  bowl  and  make  room  for  us." 
"David  Whittemore  will  never  be  here  again,"  an 
swered  Jaquith,  setting  down  his  glass. 

[97]  "How 


98        'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"How  so?"  said  the  other.  "Is  he  dead?  or  has 
he  joined  the  Quakers? " 

"Worse  than  either,"  said  Jaquith,  with  anger. 
"  He's  a  traitor  and  a  turncoat.  He  thinks  himself 
insulted  because  I  told  him  so  to-night,  and  I  may 
have  to  stick  him  like  a  pig." 
"Ha,  ha!  We  thought  as  much,"  said  a  number 
of  voices  at  once.  "What's  he  done  now?" 
"  He  has  said,"  continued  Jaquith, "  that  the  Prov 
ince  has  no  rights,  and  that  we  should  submit  to 
the  laws  without  a  murmur." 
"And  further,"  interrupted  Charles,  "that  this 
man,  Oliver,  is  right  in  refusing  to  obey, the  As 
sembly  and  Council.  Are  not  these  things  suffi 
cient?" 

"They  are,"  said  the  other  young  men  in  unison. 
"Stick  him  by  all  means,  Ezra,  and  we  will  stand 
behind  you." 

"Death  to  all  traitors,  and  may  the  pig  be  stuck," 
shouted  a  voice,  and  they  all  drank  the  toast. 
"Now  bring  in  the  liberty  tree,"  said  the  young 
man  who  had  first  greeted  Charles  and  Ezra  on 
their  entrance.  "We  will  cut  one  of  yours,  Mr. 
White,  and  plant  it  in  a  box  of  good  New  England 
earth." 

They  all  rushed  out,  singing  as  they  went,  return 
ing  in  a  short  time.  "  Here  we  are,"  said  the  bear 
er  of  the  tree.  "Now  for  the  planting."  They  all 
gathered  around  the  table,  and  amid  loud  applause 
the  spokesman  stuck  the  the  tree  into  the  box  of 
earth. 

"There  are  certain  limbs  on  this  tree  which  should 
be  stricken  off,"  he  said,  pointing  at  it.  "  First  I  cut 

off 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 


99 


off  this  rotten  one,  which  represents  David  Whit- 
temore." 

"The  pig  we  stick,"  cried  a  number  of  voices. 
"Thus,"  continued  the  spokesman,  lopping  off 
some  more  branches,  "I  dispose  of  all  traitors." 
A  shout  of  approval  went  up. 
"And  now,"  he  concluded, "  I  toast  the  tree  of  lib 
erty  shorn  of  all  its  imperfections." 
After  this  toast  was  drunk,  someone  called  out, 
"  One  more  toast,  and  then  we  will  leave  Mr.  White 
in  possession  of  his  tavern.  '  To  Ezra  Jaquith, — 
may  he  stick  the  pig." 

They  one  by  one  retired,  leaving  Ezraznd  Charles 
alone  with  the  landlord,  who  was  the  first  to  speak. 
"Do  you  expect  to  hear  from  Mr.  Whittemore?  " 
he  asked,  "for  if  so,  you  would  better  prepare 
yourself.  I  once  had  an  affair  of  this  sort,  and  was 
considered  a  good  sword  in  my  day.  Perhaps  I  can 
be  of  service  to  you,  for  I  believe  you  have  had  lit 
tle  experience  in  warfare.  If  you  will  come  into 
my  loft,  I  will  show  you  a  few  passes  which  may 
be  useful  to  you." 

"Thank  you,"  said  Jaquith,  "I'll  take  advantage 
of  your  offer,  but  not  to-night,  for  it  is  late.  I  trust 
I  shall  soon  hear  from  Master  David^  for  I  wish 
to  show  him  what  I  really  think  of  him.  I  have 
many  reasons  for  desiring  to  chastise  him." 
"You  are  right,"  replied  White.  "But  if  you  do 
not  get  a  message  from  him,  I  will  assure  you  that 
he'll  be  seen  to  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty.  No  traitor 
shall  be  permitted  to  go  unpunished,  and  we  in 
tend  to  deal  out  justice  to  all  like  him.  Have  no 
fear  but  that  he'll  get  his  deserts." 

"That 


ioo      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"That  would  please  me,"  Jaquith  replied,  "but 
not  so  much  as  to  do  the  work  myself.  And  I'll 
do  it  if  I  can." 

Two  days  later  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  receiv 
ing  a  visit  from  Captain  Fairweather,  of  His  Maj 
esty's  Army. 

"  I  come,"  said  he,  "on  behalf  of  Mr.  Whittemore, 
who  considers  that  his  character  as  a  gentleman 
has  been  attacked  by  you.  He  is  ready  to  accept  a 
satisfactory  explanation  of  your  words,  and  would 
gladly  believe  that  they  were  unintentional.  But 
if  you  are  unwilling  to  give  this,  it  will  please  me 
to  see  such  gentlemen  as  you  may  name  to  arrange 
for  your  meeting." 

"Tell  Mr.  Whittemore"  answered  Ezra,  with 
warmth,  "that  I  have  nothing  further  to  say,  save 
that  my  friend,  Mr.  Charles  Doddridge,  will  meet 
you  at  any  place  you  may  indicate." 
"I  will  bear  your  answer,"  replied  the  Captain 
with  evident  satisfaction,  "and  if  agreeable  will 
call  upon  Mr.  Doddridge  here  to-morrow  morn 
ing."  This  being  agreed  upon,  the  Captain  rode 
out  to  Milton. 

David  had  told  him  his  story,  and  asked  him  to 
be  the  bearer  of  his  challenge,  to  which  Fair  weath 
er  had  willingly  consented,  deeming  it  a  pleasure 
to  serve  one  desirous  of  upholding  the  honour  of 
the  crown.  It  was  somewhat  late  when  he  reached 
Milton.  Taking  David  to  one  side,  he  told  him 
the  result  of  his  visit. 


CHAPTER 


Mr.  DAVID  WHITTEMORE 


How  a  Garden  may 
-^  .  containmorethanis 

generally  fuppofed. 

ON  arriving  at  Milton^  David  Whitte- 
more  had  been  much  surprised  to  find 
Dorothy.  Naturally  it  had  occurred  to 
him  that  it  was  she  who  had  told  of 
their  notifying  the  Governor  of  his  danger,  and 
he  was  at  a  loss  to  understand  why  she  should  have 
done  so.  He  therefore  determined  to  question  her, 
and  a  suitable  moment  presenting  itself,  he  asked 
her  to  stroll  in  the  garden  with  him. 
"Oh,  no,"  she  said  in  answer  to  his  enquiry,  "I 
was  not  aware,  until  His  Excellency  mentioned 
it  to  me,  that  they  knew  of  it.  They  have  not  told 
me  how  they  were  informed." 
"It  is  strange,"  said  David,  "but  since  it  has  been 
the  cause  of  my  finding  you,  I  am  not  sorry.  I  trust 
it  will  not  reach  your  mother  and  Charles  that  I  am 
here,  for  it  would  cause  them  much  annoyance.  I 
fear  they  don't  wish  to  see  me  again,  Dorothy" 
"  Why  not?  "  asked  the  girl,  looking  up  at  him  in 
surprise.  "Surely  you  have  always  been  welcome, 
and  we're  old  friends.  They  wouldn't  shut  their 
door  on  you  because  you  differ  from  them  in  your 
views  of  what  is  right.  I  differ,  too,  yet  they  have 
permitted  me  to  come  here,  and  they  will  welcome 
me  back." 

"No,  Dorothy"  answered  David  sadly,  "they 
would  not  refuse  me  the  house  because  I  differed 
from  them;  but  I  have  lost  my  temper  in  their 
presence,  and  have  exposed  my  true  position." 
[101]  "You 


IO2      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"You  must  have  had  great  provocation  to  cause 
you  to  lose  your  temper,"  she  replied.  "  I  thought 
you  were  not  easily  excited." 
"I  am  not  usually,  but  Ezra  Jaquith  enraged  me 
with  his  arguments,  and  as  I  did  not  agree  with 
him,  turned  upon  me  and  called  me  a  traitor.  I 
answered  him  hotly,  and  hurled  the  epithet  back 
on  him,  and  I  think  I  did  right." 
"I  am  sorry  for  this,"  said  Dorothy  sadly,  "but  I 
don't  blame  you.  He  was  certainly  in  error.  But 
don't  think  of  it  further,  for  he  will  not  remember 
it.  Poor  Ezra  has  suffered  much,  and  I  wish  I  could 
like  him." 

He  looked  up  quickly.  It  was  not  displeasing  to 
him  to  know  that  Dorothy  did  not  care  for  Jaquith. 
"He  has  attacked  me  in  a  manner  that  I  cannot 
forget,"  replied  he.  "But  I  grieve  to  have  offended 
your  mother,  and  I  wish  that  Charles  could  see 
the  right  and  be  loyal." 

"That  will  never  be,  I  fear,"  said  Dorothy.  "Charles 
is  so  bitter.  He  loves  me,  but  will  not  listen  to  me, 
for  he  thinks  me  only  a  girl  without  experience. 
Perhaps  he  is  right  in  this,  but  I  do  not  think  I 
am  mistaken." 

"You  are  not  mistaken,  Dorothy  dear,"  said  Peg 
gy's  voice  at  her  shoulder.  "You  are  a  dear,  good 
girl,  and  your  mother  and  brother  will  agree  with 
me  some  day.  You  think  me  an  eavesdropper,  but 
it  was  unintentional.  Forgive  me." 
"I  say  nothing  to  Mr.  Whittemore  that  I  wish  to 
hide  from  you,  Peggy.  We  can  speak  our  opinions 
freely  here,  thank  heaven!" 
"It  is  pleasant  to  have  good  friends  about  us," 

continued 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       103 

continued  Peggy.  "It  is  long  since  we  have  had  so 
many,  and  it  makes  the  dear  old  garden  cheerful. 
But  where  is  our  gallant  Captain?  I  have  missed 
him  to-day,"  she  added  with  a  laugh. 
"He  has  ridden  to  Boston"  answered  David, 
flushing  slightly,  "but  promised  to  return  early. 
Perhaps  he  will  bring  us  news." 
David  knew  very  well  where  Captain  Fair  weather 
had  gone,  but  had  said  nothing.  He  felt  justified 
in  challenging  Ezra,  but  did  not  care  to  have  it 
reach  Dorothy's  ears. 

"  What  does  this  mean? "  said  Governor  Hutchin- 
son,  with  mock  sternness.  "Is  this  another  con 
spiracy?  You  are  not  so  well  hidden  behind  the 
arbour  that  I  cannot  see  you,  and  your  voices 
sound  low  and  ominous.  Have  you  already  done 
away  with  the  Captain?  I  have  not  seen  him  since 
morning,  and  it  looks  suspicious.  I  have  faced 
more  than  one  rabble  in  my  day,  but  none  so  for 
bidding  as  this.  Why,  Mr.  Whittemore  looks  most 
wicked.  Are  you  aware  that  it  is  near  dinner  time, 
my  dears?" 

"We  were  preparing  an  attack  upon  you  in  the 
dining  room,"  answered  Peggy  with  a  laugh, "  and 
you  have  just  saved  yourself.  As  for  the  Captain, 
no  one  knows  where  he  is  save  Mr.  Whittemore, 
and  Dorothy  and  I  share  your  suspicions.  We  think 
that  our  friend  here  has  waylaid  him,  and  thrown 
him  into  the  river.  Shall  we  arrest  the  suspected? " 
"Do  so,"  said  the  Governor,  "and  bring  him  be 
fore  the  board  at  which  I  shall  preside.  I  am  deemed 
a  severe  judge  in  the  Province,  so  let  him  tremble." 
"Come,  prisoner,"  said  the  two  girls  gaily. 

"If 


IO4      'The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

"If  the  Captain  is  not  found  before  the  Court 
adjourns,"  put  in  the  Governor,  "justice  will  be 
dealt  out  to  you." 

"I  submit,"  said  David,  "but  fear  I  must  suffer 
the  penalty,  for  the  Captain  will  not  be  here.  Be 
lenient,  your  Excellency,  I  beg." 
Later  on,  while  they  were  still  at  table,  the  Gov 
ernor  remarked, — 

"Mr.  Whittemore,  you  must  now  have  judgment 
passed  upon  you,  for  it  is  evident  that  you  are 
guilty.  Mark,"  he  went  on,  turning  towards  the 
colored  servant  behind  him,  "fetch  a  bottle  of 
that  Rhenish  wine  which  I  suspect  you  know  too 
well." 

The  man  retired,  soon  returning  with  the  bottle. 
"Now,  Accused,  here  is  your  punishment.  Many 
before  you  have  drunk  their  own  death  in  poison, 
but  you  will  be  obliged  to  do  this, — to  drink  with 
me  and  your  jailers  a  health  to  King  George  ///, 
and  to  all  loyal  subjects." 

"Your  Excellency,"  said  David,  raising  his  glass 
and  bowing,  "I  think  my  case  should  be  dealt  with 
lightly.  Let  me  add  to  what  you  have  proposed, 
the  health  of  your  Excellency,  and  I  will  cheerfully 
submit." 

"You  may  do  this,"  said  the  Governor,  "and  now 
as  I  have  had  two  pleasant  hours  with  you,  my  dears, 
I  must  return  to  the  more  serious  matters  of  this 
life." 


CHAPTER 


1 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Mifs  Hutch  infen's  Pony. 

"^HREE  days  after  Captain  Fair  weather 
had  brought  Ezra's  answer  to  Milton, 
two  young  men  rode  into  an  open  space 
near  a  spring  of  fresh  water,  at  the  foot 
of  the  Great  Blue  Hilly  and  dismounted.  Securing 
their  horses  in  the  woods  at  some  distance  from 
the  road,  they  returned  to  the  spring.  They  had 
ridden  from  Boston  in  the  cool  of  the  morning, 
and  had  been  impatient  to  reach  their  destination 
before  the  others,  for  they  wished  to  look  over 
the  ground  unhindered.  They  did  not  know  that 
Captain  Fairweather  and  David  Whittemore  were 
in  Milton,  and  had  thoroughly  examined  the  spot 
on  the  preceding  day. 

"This  is  the  place,"  said  Charles,  looking  about 
him,  "and  it  is  certainly  as  good  as  could  be  found. 
David  will  have  a  chance  to  refresh  himself  at  that 
spring,  which  seems  pure.  Yet  I  don't  half  like 
this  expedition.  He  is  an  excellent  swordsman,  and 
although  White  has  taught  you  a  few  good  moves, 
I  fear  you  will  have  some  trouble.  Keep  your  cour 
age  up,  and  make  a  bold  rush  on  the  first  attack. 
Perhaps  you  may  be  able  to  take  him  by  surprise." 
"Have  no  anxiety,"  answered  Ezra.  "I  have  the 
right  on  my  side,  and  shall  do  my  best.  If  I  can  draw 
some  of  his  traitor  blood,  I  shall  be  content." 
"  I  wish  I  might  have  a  chance  at  that  British  offi 
cer,"  said  Charles.  "It  would  be  a  great  thing  to 
have  a  bout  with  him,  and  show  him  what  we  think 
[105]  of 


106      'The  GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

of  his  murderous  kind.  Look  to  your  sword,"  he 
added,  "  and  see  that  all  is  in  condition,  for  I  think 
I  hear  the  sound  of  horses  on  the  highway." 
In  a  few  moments  David  and  the  Captain  appeared, 
and  bowing  to  the  others,  dismounted.  David 
walked  up  to  Ezra,  and  looking  at  him  with  con 
tempt,  said,  in  measured  words,  "Mr.  Jaquith, 
you  have  attacked  me,  but  I  am  willing  even  now 
to  accept  an  explanation,  and  shall  be  happy  to 
know  that  you  retract  your  words.  But  remember 
that  if  you  still  persist  in  them  you  must  take  the 
consequences." 

"Mr.  Whittemore"  answered  Ezra,  returning  his 
look  angrily,  "a  few  evenings  ago  I  called  you  a 
traitor,  but  I  refrained  from  saying  all  I  thought 
of  you  because  we  were  in  the  presence  of  a  lady. 
You  did  not  so  restrain  yourself,  and  now,  as  we 
are  in  the  hearing  of  none  save  these  two  gentle 
men,  who  are  willing  to  assist  us  in  this  meeting, 
I  will  add  that  which  I  did  not  say  before.  You  are 
not  only  a  traitor  to  your  country,  to  the  Sons  of 
Liberty,  who  have  honoured  you,  and  to  every  in 
stinct  born  in  you,  but  you  are  besides  a  coward, 
for  you  now  wish  to  escape  the  punishment  await 
ing  you." 

At  these  words  David  sprang  back  with  rage,  and 
drawing  himself  to  his  full  height,  said,  with  his 
hand  on  his  sword, "  I  would  willingly  have  spared 
you,  but  you  have  made  it  impossible.  Which  of 
us  is  the  coward  will  soon  appear,  for  I  see  that  fur 
ther  words  with  you  are  useless." 
So  saying  he  turned,  and  going  up  to  the  Captain, 
who  was  standing  at  some  distance  waiting  for  him 

to 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      107 

to  finish  his  interview,  said,  "  You  may  speak  with 
Mr.  Doddridge.  Mr.  Jaquith  is  even  more  insolent, 
and  the  affair  goes  on." 

The  two  young  adversaries,  stripped  for  their  en 
counter,  were  awaiting  the  signal,  when  Charles 
heard  the  sound  of  horses'  hoofs  coming  rapidly 
up  the  road.  Some  early  traveller  was  in  great 
haste,  for  the  speed  was  that  of  a  runaway.  The 
four  young  men  stopped  and  listened.  Instead  of 
passing  on  by  the  highway,  the  horse  suddenly 
turned  into  the  path  leading  to  where  they  were, 
and  presently  they  dropped  their  swords  in  some 
confusion.  Coming  towards  them  was  a  young  girl 
on  a  pony. 

"  Dorothy!"  exclaimed  Charles.  For  in  the  wildfig- 
ure  he  had  recognized  his  sister. 
"Yes,  it  is  Dorothy"  said  the  girl,  catching  her 
breath.  "  It  is  I  who  have  come  to  save  you  all  from 
this  disgrace.  What  is  the  meaning  of  this,  gentle 
men  ?  Have  matters  come  to  such  a  pass  that  old 
friends  must  insult  each  other  and  fight  like  sav 
ages?  You  are  surprised  at  seeing  me  here,  but 
I  fortunately  overheard  some  remarks  made  by 
you,  Captain  Fairweather,  when  you  were  walk 
ing  in  the  garden  with  Mr.  Whittemore,  so  I  have 
stolen  Peggy 's  pony  and  have  followed  you.  Stop 
this,  for  Heaven's  sake !  Do  not  forget  that  you  are 
old  friends  and  companions.  Are  you  not  ashamed, 
Charles,  to  be  here  against  your  old  friend?  I  knew 
you  were  foolish,  but  did  not  think  this  possible." 
Charles  stood  a  moment  without  answering.  Then 
going  towards  her  he  said,  "Go  back,  Dorothy, 
and  leave  us.  It  is  too  late  to  stop.  No,  do  not  go 

back 


io8      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

back,  but  come  home  with  me,  away  from  that 
place,  where  you  are  being  taught  to  forget  your 
country  and  your  friends.  Ezra,"  he  said,  turning 
towards  his  friend,  "  if  Mr.  Whittemore  is  willing, 
we  will  postpone  this  meeting.  What  say  you,  Cap 
tain  Fair  weather?" 

"We  should  respect  the  presence  of  a  lady,"  an 
swered  the  Captain,  bowing. 
David  looked  steadily  at  Dorothy  without  speak 
ing.  He  had  no  desire  to  fight  in  her  presence. 
"  Mr.  Whittemore"  said  Ezra,  going  towards  him, 
"you  have  escaped  me  this  time  in  a  very  clever 
manner.  But  you  will  hear  from  me  later,  for  I 
don't  intend  to  give  you  up." 
David  turned  on  his  heel  without  answering,  not 
caring  to  discuss  the  matter. 
"And  now,  Dorothy"  said  Charles,  "you  will  ride 
with  me.  We  will  send  for  your  effects." 
"Do  you  imagine,"  replied  Dorothy,  looking  at 
him  with  contempt,  "that  I  would  leave  my  hosts 
in  this  way,  without  thanking  them?  No,  I  will  re 
turn  to  the  Governor's.  When  you  and  Ezra  have 
come  to  your  right  minds,  I  will  go  back  to  my 
mother's  house.  But  while  you  remain  disloyal  to 
your  King,  and  a  traitor  to  the  memory  of  your 
father,  I  will  stay  away." 

"Do  as  you  like,"  said  Charles,  looking  at  her 
angrily,  "but  learn  this;  that  the  day  you  side 
with  traitors  and  villains  is  the  last  you  shall  be 
called  my  sister,  and  you  need  not  look  to  me  for 
further  help."  He  sprang  into  the  saddle,  and 
with  Ezra  was  soon  on  his  way  to  Boston. 
Dorothy  returned  slowly  to  Milton  Hill  with  David 

and 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      109 

and  the  Captain.  Little  was  said  on  the  road,  and 
she  controlled  herself  until  she  reached  her  room; 
then  she  broke  down  and  wept  bitterly.  "Oh!  what 
will  become  of  me  now,"  she  thought. 
At  dinner  the  Governor  and  Peggy  were  anxious 
to  know  how  their  guests  had  enjoyed  their  early 
ride.  "I  feared,"  said  the  Governor,  smiling,  "that 
it  was  another  conspiracy,  and  that  this  time  the 
Captain  would  be  waylaid  in  earnest." 
"You  see  he  is  safe,  your  Excellency,"  said  Doro 
thy,  faintly  smiling.  "I  knew  Peggy  wouldn't  mind, 
so  I  borrowed  Fairy  for  a  morning  ride.  It  seems 
that  the  Captain  and  Mr.  Whittemore  had  the  same 
fancy,  and  meeting  them  on  the  way,  I  rode  home 
with  them." 

Ezra  and  Charles  likewise  rode  away,  and  in  no 
pleasant  humour. 

"She  shall  not  stay  there,  "said  the  former  angrily. 
"  If  we  have  to  take  her  away  by  force,  she  shall 
not  stay  there." 

"She  will  come  when  she  is  calmer,"  said  Charles. 
"I  see  it  all  now;  we  have  more  to  settle  with  that 
villain  than  affairs  of  treason." 
"Yes,"  replied  Ezra,  pale  with  suppressed  pas 
sion,  "I  will  have  a  warrant  issued  for  his  arrest 
as  a  traitor  to  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  and  if  needs  be  we 
will  drag  her  out  of  that  den." 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

?!?  Governor's  Garden  in  Particular. 


weeks  had  passed  since  the  day 
when  Dorothy  had  disturbed  the  duel, 
and  she  and  David  were  still  at  Mil 
ton.  The  Captain  had  returned  to  the 
Castle,  and  "Thomas  had  been  away  much  of  the 
time,  both  at  the  Castle  and  at  Oliver  Hall  in 
Middleboro\  where  his  brother  Elisha  was  visit 
ing  the  Chief  Justice,  keeping  out  of  danger's  way. 
During  these  weeks  much  had  developed.  Doro 
thy  had  learnt  the  story  of  David's  heart,  and  he 
had  been  told  that  the  story  was  not  distasteful 
to  her.  Peggy  had  their  secret  and  was  delighted, 
for  in  their  quiet  drives  and  walks  together  she 
had  learned  to  like  David  very  much,and  her  ad 
miration  for  his  loyalty  to  her  father  was  intense. 
The  Governor  had  been  much  with  them,  and  it 
had  not  escaped  his  observation  that  David  and 
Dorothy  were  happy  in  each  other's  society.  He 
was  pleased  with  it,  for  he  felt  a  great  interest  in 
them  both,  and  a  certain  responsibility  for  them. 
Mrs.  Doddridge  and  Charles  had  sent  no  word  to 
Dorothy ',  doubtless  thinking  she  would  repent  her 
folly,  and  come  to  them  to  ask  forgiveness.  But 
in  this  they  mistook  the  girl.  She  was  firm  in  her 
love  for  David)  her  gratitude  to  the  Governor, 
and  her  loyalty  to  her  father's  teachings.  She  had 
been  invited  to  stay  at  Milton  as  long  as  she  wished, 
and  in  the  position  in  which  she  now  found  herself 
she  had  no  alternative. 

[no]  It 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       in 

It  was  now  the  middle  of  May.  The  flowers  and 
shrubs  in  the  garden  were  beginning  to  show  all 
their  beauties,  the  air  was  warm,  and  the  Govern 
or,  Peggy,  Dorothy  and  David  were  walking  down 
the  pleached  alleys,  picking  the  lilies  of  the  valley 
and  late  tulips,  and  examining  the  fresh  young 
shoots  on  the  grape-vines,  the  pride  of  the  Govern 
or's  heart.  The  old  Scotch  gardener  was  transplant 
ing  and  trimming,  while  in  the  orchard  men  were 
ridding  the  fruit-trees  of  their  over-growth.  The 
Governor  was  talking,  the  others  listening  atten 
tively. 

"  David"  he  said  kindly, "  in  two  weeks  from  this 
I  expect  to  be  on  the  ocean,  bound  for  England. 
It  has  been  a  great  pleasure  and  comfort  to  have 
you  here,  for  you  have  fairly  earned  my  gratitude 
and  affection.  What  do  you  plan  doing  when  you 
leave  me,  or  rather  when  I  leave  you,  for  if  I  were 
to  remain  you  would  be  always  welcome  here?  It 
would  certainly  be  unwise,  if  not  unsafe,  for  you 
to  attempt  to  return  to  Boston.  Why  don't  you 
come  with  me,  and  when  all  is  quiet  again,  and 
loyalty  has  re-entered  the  hearts  of  these  poor 
people,  we  will  come  back  together?  It  can  be  easi 
ly  arranged,  and  would  give  me  great  pleasure." 
"It  is  very  kind  of  your  Excellency  to  think  so 
much  of  my  welfare,"  answered  David^  "but  I 
must  remain  here  and  take  my  chances.  There  is 
still  something  for  me  to  do,  and  I  have  ties  which 
bind  me  here.  No,  your  Excellency,  I  cannot  go 
with  you,  although  I  thank  you  for  asking  me." 
"  I  know  you  have  ties  to  keep  you  here,"  said  the 
Governor  with  a  glance  in  the  direction  of  Doro 
thy; 


H2      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

thy; "  you  must  remain  with  us  until  my  departure 
at  least." 

"I  will  stay  with  your  Excellency  until  then  if  I 
am  not  a  burden  to  you,"  said  David  with  a  smile. 
"And  you  will  be  here,  Dorothy,  to  keep  Peggy 
company,"  continued  the  Governor.  "She'll  miss 
you  sadly,  but  it  will  not  be  for  long.  Perhaps, 
though,  you  may  go  with  us?" 
"  I  should  like  to  go  with  Peggy"  answered  Doro 
thy,  "  but  I  too  have  duties  here.  I  must  try  to  bring 
back  my  poor  mother  and  brother.  I  do  not  aban 
don  hope  of  doing  it,  but  it  will  take  time,  and  if 
the  worst  comes  to  the  worst  I  can  take  care  of 
myself." 

"I  do  not  think  that  will  be  necessary,"  said  the 
Governor,  looking  at  David  as  he  spoke. "  No,  my 
young  friends,  I  have  guessed  your  secret,  and  may 
the  good  God  care  for  you.  I  would  not  advise  you 
against  your  mother's  wishes,  Dorothy,  were  it  not 
my  duty  .ado  so.  But  you  are  guided  by  your  sense 
of  right,  and  are  both  loyal  and  true.  If  you  wish, 
remain  here  until  I  return  in  the  autumn.  But  I 
think  all  will  be  well  long  before  then,  and  that  I 
shall  find  you  happy,  with  all  your  differences 
adjusted." 

They  walked  back  towards  the  house  in  a  cheerful 
frame  of  mind.  The  birds  were  singing  in  the  trees ; 
the  rake  and  roller  sounded  merrily  on  the  gravel 
walk  under  the  arbour;  the  lowing  of  the  cattle 
came  over  the  field  beyond  the  ha-ha;  and  the  sweet 
spring  air  was  fragrant  with  the  wafted  perfumes 
of  flowers  and  fruit  blossoms.  Why  should  they 
not  have  been  happy  in  that  peaceful  scene?  It  is 
fortunate  we  cannot  read  the  future. 

11  David," 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      113 

"David"  said  the  Governor,  taking  him  to  the 
study  on  re-entering  the  house,  "as  I  have  said, 
in  two  weeks  I  shall  be  on  the  great  ocean.  There 
are  many  matters  requiring  attention  before  then, 
and  as  my  life  is  so  very  uncertain,  it  is  well  to  pre 
pare  for  anything  that  may  be  sent  me.  You  have 
proved  yourself  faithful  and  courageous,  and  I 
know  since  the  day  you  first  came  here  with  Doro 
thy's  message,  that  I  may  trust  you  entirely.  Will 
you  undertake  a  journey  for  me  which  may  in 
volve  you  in  some  danger?  There  are  few  mes 
sengers  worthy  of  confidence  at  this  time,  and 
I  deem  myself  fortunate  in  having  one  like  you 
to  call  upon." 

"Your  Excellency,"  answered  David,  flushing 
with  pleasure,  "there  is  nothing  I  would  not  un 
dertake  for  you.  I  am  proud  that  you  should  think 
of  me,  and  I'll  do  my  best." 
"I  thank  you,"  said  the  Governor  kindly.  "My 
son  Elisha  is,  as  you  know,  with  the  Chief  Justice 
at  Middleboro '.  It  is  necessary  that  I  should  get  in 
to  his  possession  certain  valuable  papers  which  I 
have  with  me  here.  Experience  has  taught  me  that 
such  things  fall  too  easily  into  the  hands  of  the 
rabble,  and  at  a  distance  of  thirty  miles  from  Bos 
ton  they  will  be  much  safer  than  they  are  here.  The 
people  are  losing  their  heads  so  fast  that  they  may 
come  even  here  before  my  return,  although  I  do 
not  think  it.  There  is  really  no  great  risk  in  the 
journey.  Do  you  wish  to  undertake  it?" 
"This  is  a  light  task,"  answered  David  smiling. 
"I  had  hoped  that  I  might  do  something  better 
to  show  my  appreciation  of  all  your  Excellency's 
kindness." 

"It 


114      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"It  seems  light,  and  I  trust  it  will  prove  so,"  said 
the  Governor.  "You  shall  have  the  best  horse  in 
my  stables,  and  can  start  to-morrow  early.  I  will 
have  the  papers  and  a  note  of  introduction  ready 
to-night.  You  will  be  able  to  return  the  follow 
ing  afternoon,  for  I  do  not  wish  to  keep  you  away 
too  long." 

"I  will  be  in  readiness,"  answered  David,  as  he 
moved  towards  the  parlour  where  the  two  girls 
were  talking. 

Upon  his  mentioning  to  Dorothy  his  journey,  dur 
ing  a  stroll  in  the  garden  in  the  afternoon,  she 
showed  some  anxiety.  "I  am  foolish,  David"  she 
said, "  but  I  wish  you  did  not  have  to  go.  There  are 
those  who  wish  you  harm,  and  who  knows  but  they 
may  lie  in  wait  for  you?  Yet  you  must  go,  and  I 
would  not  discourage  your  doing  what  you  can 
for  His  Excellency." 

"There  is  nothing  to  fear,  Dorothy,  dear,"  an 
swered  David  with  a  laugh.  "What  can  possibly 
befall  me  unless  I  lose  my  way,  which  is  not  proba 
ble?  Surely  they  cannot  know  of  my  trip,  nor  can 
they  always  be  on  the  lookout  for  me.  Besides  all 
this  I  do  not  think  they  would  take  me  unawares 
on  the  highway,  for  although  they  are  hot-headed 
they  are  not  cowards." 

"I  trust  not,"  said  Dorothy,  "but  some  of  the  pa 
triots  have  done  cowardly  things  already,  and 
their  folly  carries  them  to  great  lengths.  But  you 
must  go,  so  I  will  not  worry." 


CHAPTER 


lt  was  more  dffi- 

.  cuh  to  ride  from  Mld- 
dleboro1  to  Milton  than  it  appeared. 


1 


next  morning  Dorothy  and  Peggy 
arose  early,  and  saw  David  depart.  The 
sky  was  clear,  and  his  horse  being  fresh, 
he  cantered  briskly  on  by  Mrs.  Foye's 
to  the  New  State  Road,  thence  by  Wild's  Tavern 
around  the  base  of  the  Blue  Hills  towards  Middle- 
boro  .  "The  Country  Heigh  Waye"  over  Milton 
Hill  at  this  time  was  narrow  and  rough,  and  vehi 
cles  were  unable  to  pass  each  other  upon  it  except 
at  certain  places.  There  were  several  houses  along 
it,  the  homes  of  the  well-to-do  dwellers  in  Milton, 
the  majority  of  whom  were  the  Governor's  warm 
admirers  and  friends.* 

The  New  State  Road  left  the  highway  about  a  mile 
from  the  Governor's  mansion,  and  turning  to  the 
west,  wound  towards  the  Blue  Hills,  where  it 
joined  the  Stoughton  Road,  and  finally  passing 
Hoosic  Whisick  Lake  and  the  Great  Blue  Hill,  it 
started  southward  through  Ponkapog  and  Stough 
ton.  These  ways  were  still  more  rugged  and  wild 
than  the  Braintree  Road,  being  in  places  steep  and 
rough.  They  were,  however,  well  bordered  with 
farms  and  houses,  until  the  hills  were  reached. 
There  by  the  lake  stood  the  old  house  of  Nathaniel 
Houghton,  which,  although  over  one  hundred  years 
old,  still  was  solitary  amidst  the  forests. 

Everything 

*  Some  of  them^  when  his  estate  was  confiscated^  went  to 
England  to  show  their  disapproval  of  the  aft.  Most  of  them 
returned^  however ',  and  became  later  good  citizens  of  the 
United  States. 


n6      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Everything  was  still,  and  David  met  few  travel 
lers,  although  the  farms  began  to  show  signs  of 
life.  His  horse  was  good,  and  he  went  at  a  fair  pace, 
leaving  the  forest,  brooks,  and  little  villages  be 
hind  him,  until  he  came  at  last  in  view  of  Asso- 
wamsettPond.  It  was  just  a  century  since  the  body 
of  Sausamon  had  been  discovered  under  its  frozen 
surface,  and  the  story  of  King  Philip  and  his  treach 
ery  ran  through  David's  mind,causing  him  to  look 
involuntarily  about  him.  He  was  ashamed  of  his 
feelings  in  a  moment,  and  laughed  aloud.  To  be 
sure  there  were  traitors  now,  but  they  were  not 
savages,  and  what  could  be  more  peaceful  and  un 
troubled  than  that  shining  sheet  of  water?  The 
turmoil  of  the  town  had  not  affected  its  repose, 
and  he  found  himself  wishing  that  he  and  Doro 
thy  might  be  near  its  quiet  shores,  away  from  all 
their  troubles.  The  sun  was  now  high,  and  he  was 
at  a  loss  to  know  in  what  direction  to  go  to  find 
Oliver  Halt,  so  he  inquired  at  the  next  house  he 
passed,  and  finding  that  he  had  gone  too  far  south, 
turned  back,  and  was  soon  on  his  way  again.  Then 
riding  along  the  lovely  Namasket,  and  taking  a 
bridle-path  through  the  wood,  he  dismounted  be 
fore  long  at  the  broad  door  of  the  Hall. 
This  noble  structure  near  the  banks  of  the  Nam- 
asket  River,  with  its  lawns  and  forests  and  serpen 
tine  walks,  met  the  fate  of  many  such,  at  the  hands 
of  the  enraged  populace.  It  was  burned  to  the 
ground  after  the  Chief  Justice  had  left  it,  an  act 
of  lawlessness  for  which  there  now  seems  to  us  to 
have  been  little  excuse.  Chief  Justice  Oliver  at 
this  time  was  compelled  to  remain  in  his  Middle- 

boro 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       117 

boro  house,  for  it  was  not  safe  for  him  to  go  to  Bos 
ton,  unless  he  agreed  to  give  up  his  allegiance  to 
the  Crown,  and  to  take  his  salary  from  the  Prov 
ince.  This  he  would  not  do,  so  he  was  impeached, 
and  finally  went  to  England,  uttering  the  most  bit 
ter  invectives  against  his  countrymen  and  their 
government. 

Elisha  Hutchinson  was  much  like  his  brother, — 
fiery,  angry  and  disappointed.  David  found  him 
self  in  a  less  sympathetic  atmosphere  than  that  he 
had  left  in  Milton.  He  felt  as  the  Governor  did,  and 
could  follow  him,  but  not  those  who  were,  in  his 
opinion,  selfish  and  unpatriotic.  For  strange  as  it 
may  seem  to  us,  he  considered  the  Governor  the 
only  true  patriot.  Whittemore  was  cordially  re 
ceived  by  both  the  Chief  Justice  and  Elisha  Hutch 
inson,  and  there  were  many  inquiries  about  affairs 
at  Milton  and  Boston.  Much  interest  was  manifest 
ed  in  the  Governor's  departure,  and  his  son  was 
preparing  to  join  him  on  ship-board. 
The  following  afternoon,  having  thanked  his  hosts 
for  their  courtesy,  he  took  letters  from  both,  and 
mounting  his  horse  started  on  his  homeward  jour 
ney.  He  was  not  sorry  to  be  headed  towards  Mil 
ton.  The  weather  had  changed  during  the  night, 
and  the  heavy  dark  clouds  overhanging  the  west 
ern  horizon  threatened  one  of  those  thunder  tem 
pests  which  come  in  the  early  summer.  He  went  on 
cheerfully,  however,  giving  little  heed  to  the  ris 
ing  wind  whistling  through  the  boughs,  his  mind 
being  occupied  with  matters  nearer  his  heart.  He 
had  gone  fully  half  the  distance,  and  the  clouds 
were  still  rolling  up  and  the  far-away  thunder  was 

re-echoing 


n8      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

re-echoing  from  hill  to  hill.  As  yet  the  storm  had 
not  broken  forth,  but  seemed  to  be  gathering  all 
its  forces  ere  it  should  sweep  down  on  its  errand 
of  destruction.  A  few  miles  further  on,  the  inky 
summit  of  the  Great  Blue  Hill  broke  into  view, 
and  he  wondered  if  he  could  beat  the  storm,  and 
reach  Wild's  Tavern  in  time  to  save  himself  a 
drenching.  The  tempest's  forces  had  evidently 
been  marshalled  by  this  time,  for  each  flash  of 
lightning  and  peal  of  thunder  was  brighter  and 
louder  than  that  which  went  before.  The  scene 
was  awe-inspiring,  and  he  spurred  his  horse  and 
hastened  forward,  for  he  feared  that  if  the  storm 
should  break  in  all  its  fury,  he  might  lose  the  road. 
He  had  finally  reached  a  point  in  the  thick  woods 
within  amile  of  the  hill,  when  hishorse  started  sud 
denly  and  its  bits  were  grappled  by  a  strong  hand 
which  threw  it  back  upon  its  haunches.  It  was 
at  first  impossible  to  see  anything,  but  a  moment 
later  there  was  a  bright  flash  of  lightning,  and 
David  perceived  a  dark  figure  holding  his  horse, 
and  several  others  standing  near  by.  His  first 
impulse  was  to  strike  at  his  obstructor,  and  he 
brought  down  his  crop.  The  horse  sprang  but 
was  held  fast,  and  his  effort  was  answered  by  a 
low  laugh  from  the  direction  in  which  he  had 
struck.  "It's  no  use,  Mr.  Whittemore"  said  a  deep 
voice.  "When  I  have  orders  to  stop  a  gentleman 
on  the  highway,  I  generally  succeed,  with  the  help 
of  my  friends.  Now  just  be  good  and  quiet,  and 
come  with  us." 

"You  scoundrels,"  shouted  David,  drawing  one 
of  his  pistols.  But  two  pairs  of  strong  arms  were 

thrown 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       119 

thrown  around  him,  and  he  was  lifted  bodily  from 
the  saddle,  and  laid  on  his  back  on  the  ground.  Be 
fore  he  could  speak  again  he  was  gagged  and  a 
moment  later  his  hands  were  bound  behind  his 
back  and  he  was  set  upon  his  feet.  He  then  found 
himself  taken  on  either  side  and  forced  to  walk, 
he  knew  not  whither.  The  ground  seemed  nearly 
level,  though  rough  and  stony. 
"Blindfold  him,"  said  a  voice.  This  being  done 
they  moved  on,  and  he  could  hear  the  soft  splash 
ing  of  water  as  if  on  the  shore  of  some  small  pond 
or  lake.  In  a  short  time  he  was  helped  into  a  boat, 
which  was  rowed  along  swiftly  until  finally  they 
disembarked  and  began  to  ascend.  It  then  seemed 
as  if  he  was  going  round  and  round,  up  and  down, 
now  over  smooth  ground,  now  over  rough  stones. 
He  could  form  no  estimate  of  how  long  this  last 
ed,  but  finally  his  captors  halted,  and  he  could  see 
lights  through  the  coverings  on  his  eyes.  Then 
a  voice  said,  "Take  off  the  bandages  from  his 
eyes."  This  was  done,  and  the  sight  before  him 
struck  horror  to  his  heart. 
The  storm  had  passed,  and  the  stars  were  shining 
bright  above  him.  He  was  in  a  rocky  place  sur 
rounded  by  pines  and  scrub-oaks;  on  the  ground 
in  front  of  him  were  seated  about  a  dozen  masked 
men,  surrounded  by  torches  stuck  into  the  earth. 
In  front  of  these  stood  two  others,  also  masked, 
evidently  the  leaders.  He  could  not  see  their  faces, 
but  thought  he  recognized  their  bearing,  and  when 
one  of  them  spoke  he  found  he  was  not  mistaken. 
"Mr.  David  Whittemore"  said  Ezra  Jaquith, 
"you  escaped  me  a  short  time  ago,  but  I  have  no 

intention 


I2O      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

intention  that  you  shall  do  so  again.  I  have  ob 
tained  a  warrant  from  the  Order  you  have  betrayed, 
and  you  are  arrested  in  the  name  of  Liberty.  This 
country  has  had  enough  of  such  as  you,  and  you 
are  here  for  trial.  Oh!  don't  be  impatient,  you 
will  be  allowed  to  speak  when  the  proper  time 
comes.  We  do  not  intend  to  pass  judgment  with 
out  giving  you  a  chance  to  defend  yourself.  But 
you  must  hear  the  charges  first.  Knowing  your 
impetuous  nature  we  have  thought  best  to  bring 
you  to  a  secluded  spot,  and  to  keep  you  quiet  for 
a  while.  What  is  the  charge,  brothers?"  he  said, 
turning  to  those  seated  behind  him. 
"Treason  to  his  country,  his  order,  and  his  con 
science,"  shouted  the  voices  in  unison. 
"You  hear  the  charge,"  said  Ezra  with  a  sneer. 
"What  other  charge  is  there?  Charles,  you  have 
one." 

"I  charge  you,  David  Whittemore"  said  Charles 
through  his  teeth,  "with  poisoning  the  mind  of 
a  young  girl  with  traitorous  thoughts;  and  with 
being  a  designing  coward  in  the  hands  of  a  brutal 
master.  These  are  my  charges,  and  may  you  pay 
the  penalty  due  for  them." 
"You  hear  these  additional  charges,  David  Whit- 
temore"  said  Ezra.  "And  I  have  yet  a  word  to  say 
if  the  others  have  finished.  You  will  remember 
that  a  girl  successfully  protected  you  from  my  re 
venge  a  short  time  ago.  I  accuse  you  of  wrecking 
her  home,  and  taking  her  from  those  who  love 
her.  I  am  one  of  those,  and  I  have  decided  that 
you  and  she  shall  never  meet  again.  You  are  a 
scoundrel,  and  a  traitor.  And  now,  my  Indian 

friend, 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      121 

friend,  loosen  his  mouth-piece  that  we  may  hear 
his  defence." 

The  Indian  obeyed,  and  David  looked  a  moment 
about  him  without  speaking,  his  head  high,  and 
with  an  expression  of  the  utmost  contempt.  Final 
ly  he  said  slowly  and  distinctly,  looking  first  at 
Ezra  and  then  at  Charles,  "You,  Ezra  Jaquith, 
and  you,  Charles  Doddridge,  are  brave  men !  You 
have  attacked  a  solitary  man  on  the  highway  in 
the  dark,  and  fearing  your  inability  to  do  the  work 
alone,  have  hired  a  band  of  savages  to  assist  you. 
You  have  bound  him,  gagged  him,  insulted  him; 
and  now  you  give  him  the  privilege  of  answering 
your  charges.  This  he  will  do  in  few  words.  You 
are  all  liars,  assassins,  traitors,  and  cowards.  That 
is  all  I  have  to  answer.  I  am  now  willing  to  hear 
the  verdict.  Only  let  me  remind  you  of  one  thing; 
that  what  you  are  now  sowing  you  may  reap  soon 
er  than  you  think." 

"  Is  that  all  you  wish  to  say? "  asked  Ezra,  with  a 
laugh.  "These  are  only  opinions;  we  must  have 
explanations." 

"You  will  have  nothing  further  from  me,"  said 
David. 

"Very  well  then,"  answered  Ezra,  this  time  with 
anger,  "put  on  the  gag  and  blindfold  him  again. 
Now,  brothers,  what  is  the  verdict?  Remember  that 
Charles  and  I  have  a  voice  in  this.  Speak,  what  is 
it?" 

"Banishment!"  shouted  all  together. 
"Aye!  that  is  it,  Master  David.  Banishment!  You 
are  to  be  exiled,  never  to  return.  Never  again  may 
you  expect  to  see  your  Governor  and  your  Mis 
tress. 


122      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

tress.  Now  lead  him  away.  The  chaise  is  ready,  and 
before  dawn  you  will  be  on  your  way  to  where 
you'll  be  well  cared  for." 

David  Whittemore  was  proud  and  courageous,  and 
did  not  wish  to  show  his  real  feelings  to  the  men 
who  were  thus  attacking  him.  He  knew,  more 
over,  that  he  could  gain  nothing  by  attempting 
force,  and  decided  at  present  to  make  no  resist 
ance,  but  to  use  his  wits,  and  if  possible,  escape. 
When  they  again  started  they  walked  for  perhaps 
a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  then  placed  him  in  a  chaise 
which  immediately  set  off  at  a  brisk  pace.  How 
long  his  journey  was,  David  did  not  know,  but  at 
the  end  of  about  two  hours  the  sound  of  the  sea 
breaking  along  the  shore  fell  upon  his  ears,  and 
he  knew  the  time  had  come  for  him  to  act.  He 
therefore  strangled  and  coughed  vigorously.  His 
conductor  undid  his  bandage,  asking  what  he 
wished. 

"With  whom  am  I,  and  where  am  I  ? "  gasped  Da 
vid.  "  For  Heaven's  sake  let  me  have  breath!  I  am 
choking,  and  can  certainly  do  no  harm  with  my 
voice  now.  Answer  me,  who  are  you?" 
"You  don't  know  me,  Mr.  Whittemore"  answered 
the  person  he  had  heard  when  first  attacked.  "But 
you  need  not  be  strangled,"  he  added,  further  loos 
ing  the  gag.  "Those  are  not  my  orders.  I  am  not 
allowed,  however,  to  tell  where  you  are  going." 
"  Will  you  not  tell  me,  as  we  are  alone,  whether  I  go 
on  shipboard  to-night?"  asked  David. 
"We  are  not  alone.  Two  gentlemen  follow,  and 
watch  us  carefully,"  the  other  answered.  "Don't 
try  to  escape." 

"I 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       123 

"I  don't  wish  to  escape  now,"  David  answered, 
"but  it  will  be  greatly  to  your  advantage  to  help 
me  later." 

The  other  laughed  disagreeably,  and  said,  "May 
be  that  is  so,  but  I  am  watched  and  don't  want  to 
be  shot." 

David  thought  it  best  to  say  no  more  at  this  time. 
He  had  succeeded  in  finding  that  he  was  with  a 
stranger,  and  that  Charles  and  Ezra  were  follow 
ing.  He  decided  to  wait  quietly  and  form  some 
plan.  He  had  got  into  hands  from  which  it  would 
be  difficult  to  extricate  himself.  The  unknown 
man  who  was  driving  him  was  in  reality  the  rascal 
ly  brother  of  Ponkapog  Pete,  and  their  destination 
was  an  estuary  near  Brain  tree,  where  the  brig 
Dreadnaught  had  dropped  anchor.  She  had  re 
turned  from  the  West  Indies,  and  had  made  sev 
eral  attempts  to  get  into  Boston,  but  it  was  only 
on  the  fourteenth  of  May  that  Pete  had  been  able 
to  unload  her  after  over  three  months  cruising. 
This  had  given  Ezra  new  courage,  and  although 
the  expense  of  running  the  brig  during  this  long 
period  had  been  great,  still  he  felt  that  his  fortunes 
were  saved.  When  Pete  had  first  appeared  before 
him  he  had  started  as  at  a  spirit,  but  soon  remem 
bered  that  he  had  another  undertaking  for  him. 
He  sought  Charles,  and  they  arranged  the  plan 
whereby  David  was  captured,  and  finally  brought 
towards  the  brig  by  Pete's  brother.  The  Indian 
had  had  spies  watching  for  several  days,  and  one 
of  these  had  seen  David  pass  on  his  way  to  Mid- 
dleboro1,  which  fact  had  been  communicated  to 
Ezra  and  Charles,  who  had  forthwith  gone  to  the 

Blue 


124      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Blue  Hill  Tavern  with  some  of  the  hotheads  of  the 
Sons  of  Liberty.  When  the  messenger  rode  in  to  in 
form  them  that  David  was  on  the  way  back,  they 
all  hastened  to  the  appointed  place.  The  affair 
had  been  well  planned  and  skillfully  executed. 
Ezra  and  Charles  were  well  pleased  as  they  drove 
behind  the  chaise  containing  David  and  his  cus 
todian.  Charles  felt  that  they  were  doing  an  act 
of  justice,  for  he  thought  that  David  had  proved 
himself  both  dangerous  and  bad,  scheming  not  on 
ly  against  the  freedom  of  his  country,  but  against 
the  affections  of  a  lover  and  a  brother.  No  redress 
being  possible  in  any  other  way,  they  had  taken 
matters  into  their  own  hands. 
Not  many  moments  after  David  had  spoken  to 
the  Indian  the  chaise  stopped,  and  he  was  forced 
to  descend,  the  gag  being  first  replaced.  He  again 
entered  a  boat,  and  was  shortly  handed  over  the 
side  of  the  brig,  which  then  immediately  set  sail, 
and  drew  out  into  the  open  sea.  This  then  was  the 
end  of  all  his  dreams!  With  a  heavy  heart  he 
thought  of  Dorothy. 


CHAPTER 


®@®®&@®@®  ©&®&©  @©@^^^^«H£ 
®  .@®_       --f®  .® 


looks. 


ALL  the  afternoon  Dorothy  and  Peggy 
had  watched  for  David's  return.  But 
the  Governor  had  assured  them  that 
he  could  not  arrive  until  evening,  and 
when  the  storm  began  to  gather  he  made  up  his 
mind  that  very  possibly  David  might  seek  the 
shelter  of  one  of  the  taverns  on  the  road  and  await 
the  morning. 

"I  can't  help  feeling  anxious,  Peggy  "  said  Doro 
thy  as  the  tempest  burst  forth.  "I  do  not  know 
why  it  is,  yet  I  cannot  prevent  it." 
"He  is  all  right  on  Gipsey.  If  he  were  to  miss  his 
way,  she  would  bring  him  home." 
"  It  is  not  his  going  astray  that  I  fear,  Peggy  dear. 
But  he  has  enemies  who  would  not  hesitate  to 
do  him  mischief  if  the  occasion  presented  itself. 
But  it's  no  doubt  a  foolish  fancy." 
In  the  evening  they  were  sitting  in  the  parlour 
with  the  Governor,  when  they  were  suddenly  dis 
turbed  in  their  conversation  by  the  sound  of  a 
horse  coming  up  to  the  house  at  a  breakneck 
pace.  They  all  started,  and  Dorothy  ran  to  the  door 
and  looked  out.  The  stars  were  now  shining,  and 
the  bright  flashes  over  the  harbour  towards  the 
east  told  that  the  storm  had  passed  out  to  sea,  to 
spend  itself  on  the  broad  Atlantic.  "You  are  late, 
David,"  she  said,  rushing  down  the  steps.  She 
stopped  suddenly  and  held  her  breath.  Seated  on 
Gipsey  was  an  Indian  boy,  bareheaded,  with  his  feet 
hanging  loose  at  the  mare's  sides. 

[125]  "Quick!" 


126      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"Quick!"  he  said.  "The  gentleman  is  stolen.  I 
was  hidden  in  the  trees,  and  heard  them  say,  *  Take 
him  to  the  ship  and  send  him  away.'  Quick!  I 
say." 

By  this  time  the  Governor  and  Peggy  had  come 
out,  wondering  why  David  did  not  dismount. 
Dorothy  stood  trembling,  and  for  a  moment  was 
silent.  Then  she  turned  and  said  in  a  choking  voice, 
"  It  is  as  I  feared,  your  Excellency.  Davidhas  been 
waylaid.  Hear  what  this  boy  says." 
The  boy  repeated  his  story. 
"  Oh !  Peggy!  Peggy!  what  can  we  do  ?  If  only  your 
brother  or  Captain  Fair-weather  were  here!  What 
can  we  do,  your  Excellency?" 
Governor  Hutchinson  was  standing  with  an  expres 
sion  of  horror  on  his  face.  Turning  to  the  boy,  he 
asked,  "Do  you  know,  my  good  lad,  where  they 
have  taken  him?  You  will  be  well  rewarded  for 
this.  Speak  quickly." 
"To  the  water  near  Brain  free.1' 
"  Make  haste,  Peggy.  Order  a  chaise  with  the  fresh 
est  horse,  and  I  will  go  myself,  since  it  is  I  who  have 
brought  this  upon  him." 

"  No,  your  Excellency,"  said  Dorothy,  regaining 
her  self-possession.  "You  cannot  go  at  this  time 
of  night.  I  will  go,  if  you  will  lend  me  Peggy's 
pony." 

"  This  is  out  of  the  question,"  answered  the  Gov 
ernor  firmly.  "The  chaise  will  be  ready  in  a  mo 
ment  and  I  shall  go  at  once.  They  will  not  dare  do 
me  harm  or  disobey  my  orders.  But  to  a  young  girl 
it  would  be  a  perilous  trip,  and  I  cannot  permit  it." 
"  Oh!  your  Excellency,  remember  how  little  I  have 

left 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN        127 

left  in  this  world  except  you  and  Peggy  and  David. 
I  could  never  live  and  know  that  I  had  not  done 
all  I  could  for  him.  You  cannot  go,  your  Excel 
lency.  You  are  not  well,  and  I  know  they  would 
not  respect  your  person  were  you  alone.  Let  me 
follow  the  boy  and  learn  what  I  can.  I  think  he  is 
to  be  trusted,  and  I  will  take  care  not  to  be  seen. 
Remain  here  with  Peggy ',  whom  you  cannot  leave 
alone.  Let  me  go." 

"I  wish  I  might  do  so,  Dorothy,  but  you  are  in 
my  care,  and  I  cannot  allow  it.  Where  did  you  say 
they  were  going?"  he  continued,  turning  to  the 
boy. 

"To  a  ship  at  Braintree.  It's  no  use  for  you  to  go. 
Better  order  a  ship  to  follow  them." 
"An  excellent  idea,  my  lad,"  said  the  Governor. 
"Dorothy  dear,  it  is  useless  for  either  of  us  to  go 
to-night.  I  will  send  a  note  to  the  Castle,  and 
they  will  start  in  pursuit.  My  lad,"  he  continued, 
"wait  while  I  write." 

He  entered  the  house,  and  in  a  few  moments  re 
turned  and  handed  a  letter  to  the  boy.  "Ride 
fast  to  Dorchester  Point.  There  leave  your  horse, 
row  quickly  to  the  Castle,  and  give  this  to  Colo 
nel  Leslie.  Do  you  understand  ? "  The  boy  nodded. 
"Here  is  money.  Do  you  know  the  ship?" 
"Yes,  Sir,"  answered  the  boy. 
"Then  go  with  them  and  help  find  her.  We  will 
remember  you." 

The  boy  gave  a  shrill  whistle  and  started  on  a  gal 
lop  down  the  hill. 

Dorothy  had  regained  her  composure,  and  now  saw 
the  wisdom  of  the  Governor's  action. "  I  know  you 

are 


128      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

are  right,"  she  said  on  re-entering  the  house.  "It 
would  be  useless  to  follow  them  by  land  now.  If 
what  this  boy  has  heard  is  true  they  would  be  down 
the  bay  before  we  could  reach  Brain  tree.  I  will  try 
to  be  brave." 

"  You  are  always  that,"  said  the  Governor,  kissing 
her  on  the  forehead.  "In  the  morning  we  will  all 
three  go  to  the  Castle  and  learn  what  has  been 
done." 

The  Indian  boy  rode  swiftly  to  Dorchester  Point, 
and  waking  up  the  sleepy  stable-boy  of  the  small 
tavern  near  the  water,  gave  him  the  horse  and  ran 
on  to  the  shore,  where  a  number  of  boats  were 
lying.  Without  thinking  to  whom  it  might  belong, 
he  jumped  into  one  of  them  and  pulled  with  a  vig 
orous  stroke  towards  the  Castle.  Making  fast  his 
boat  he  ran  to  the  gate  where  he  perceived  a  light. 
Taking  the  letter  from  beneath  his  belt,  he  handed 
it  to  the  sentry  who  had  barred  his  way,  saying,  "A 
letter  for  the  Colonel.  Quick!" 
The  man  examined  it,  and  noting  the  large  seal  up 
on  it,  retired,  leaving  the  boy  waiting  outside  the 
gate.  In  a  few  moments  he  returned,  and  led  the 
boy  to  the  Colonel's  apartments.  It  was  now  near 
ly  eleven  o'clock,  and  many  of  the  people  at  the 
Castle  had  gone  to  bed,  but  Colonel  Leslie,  hav 
ing  much  work  to  do,  was  still  busy  in  his  office 
when  the  lad  was  admitted. 
"You  come  from  his  Excellency,  at  Milton"  he 
said  as  the  boy  entered.  "He  has  written  me  what 
you  have  told  him.  Are  you  sure  they  said  to 
night?" 
"Yes,  Sir.  I  heard  them  say  so." 

"Lieutenant 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       129 

"Lieutenant  Trenchard"  called  the  Colonel,  go 
ing  to  the  door  of  an  adjoining  room,  "find  Cap 
tain  Fairweather,  and  tell  him  to  come  here  at 
once." 

"  Captain,"  said  the  Colonel,  as  he  entered, "  I  have 
just  received  this  from  his  Excellency.  Read  it, 
and  tell  me  what  you  think." 
The  Captain  took  the  note  and  read  it.  As  he  went 
on,  his  brows  contracted,  and  he  drew  his  breath 
in  slowly  through  his  teeth.  "I  think,  sir,"  he 
said,  when  he  had  finished, "  that  if  possible  a  small 
swift  vessel  should  be  sent  at  once  down  the  bay.  I 
know  Mr.  Whittemore  well.  He  is  loyal  and  has 
given  up  much  for  his  love  of  good  government." 
"If  you  please,  Captain,"  answered  the  Colonel, 
"  go  to  the  Admiral,  who  is  still  here,  and  ask  him 
to  do  what  is  requested.  If  you  wish  to  go  on  the 
expedition,  you  may." 

"  Thank  you,  Sir,  and  I'll  take  Hutchinson  with  me 
if  he  cares  to  go." 

An  hour  later  the  Captain  and  Thomas  Hutchinson, 
with  the  Indian  boy,  were  on  board  the  man-of- 
war  Lively,  preparing  for  their  chase  of  the  brig. 
It  was  well  after  midnight  when  they  got  un 
der  way,  and  the  commander,  knowing  that  she 
would  be  far  down  the  bay  before  he  could  pass 
the  Roads,  decided  to  crowd  on  all  sail,  and  head 
towards  the  ocean.  Passing  the  light-house  he 
bore  towards  the  east,  and  was  soon  ploughing 
through  the  water  at  a  brisk  gait.  The  night  was 
clear  with  a  strong  north-west  wind,  and  he  had 
only  to  set  his  sails  and  let  her  go.  The  wind 
holding,  he  passed  Cape  CWas  the  sun  was  rising, 
when  the  lookout  sighted  a  sail. 

"Where 


130      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"Where  away?"  shouted  the  officer. 
"Off  the  starboard  bow,  about  sou'east,  Sir." 
The  officer  took  his  glass  and  looked  in  the  direc 
tion  indicated.  There  were  surely  the  topsails  of 
a  brig  in  sight,  and  feeling  certain  that  he  had 
his  man,  he  started  in  pursuit. 
Those  on  board  the  brig  had  seen  the  war-ship 
before  the  latter  had  found  them. 
"By  G — d,"  said  Captain  Carpenter,  "they're  af 
ter  us.  We'll  give  the  old  tub  a  fine  dance,  though! 
Here,  you  Mr.  Jones,  give  her  every  rag  she'll 
carry,  and  if  he  can  catch  the  Dreadnought,  I'm 
willing  to  give  up." 

Every  stitch  of  canvas  was  crowded  on  to  her,  and 
she  drove  through  the  running  seas  swift  as  a  fright 
ened  doe,  scattering  the  white  foam  high  above 
her  spars.  At  last  the  Captain  started  at  the  report 
of  a  gun  in  his  wake,  but  so  far  off  as  not  to  be 
dangerous. 

"The  d — d  fool  is  hollering  at  us  to  stop  and  let 
him  take  us.  I  guess  we  won't  do  that  this  morn 
ing.  By  this  afternoon  he'll  give  it  up,  and  go  back 
to  protect  his  Castle  and  its  precious  freight  of 
blackguards.  Where's  our  new  ship-mate,  Mr. 
Jones?  Remember  we  have  orders  to  treat  him 
well  until  we  unship  him.  Is  he  comfortable  in  his 
quarters?" 

"Aye,  aye,  Sir,"  answered  the  mate,  "he's  a-strut- 
tin'  up  and  down  as  if  he  was  a  king  or  an  admiral. 
He  looks  as  if  he  owned  the  whole  ship." 
"When  we  get  out  of  sight  of  land  and  that  fire- 
eater,  let  him  out.  No  disrespect,understand.  He'll 
have  a  lonesome  time  in  about  three  weeks,  so  we'll 

make 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       131 

make  it  kind  of  sociable  for  him  while  he's  with 
us." 

"  I  think,  Sir,"  said  the  mate,  "  that  you'll  find  him 
mighty  poor  company.  I  don't  think  I'll  have 
much  to  say  to  him  without  orders." 
Captain  Carpenter  was  a  good  sailor,  but  he  had 
little  moral  sense.  He  had,  to  be  sure,  always  sailed 
in  the  merchant  marine,  but  would  just  as  willing 
ly  have  been  a  pirate.  He  was  a  terror  to  the  men, 
and  had  had  more  than  one  incipient  mutiny,  but 
had  checked  them  all  by  his  indomitable  courage. 
He  had  no  fear  of  being  caught  by  the  man-of-war, 
but  even  had  she  overhauled  him  he  would  have 
pitched  into  her  without  hesitation,  foolhardy  as 
it  might  be.  So  he  kept  merrily  on  his  way,  giv 
ing  his  pursuer  little  thought  except  to  laugh  at 
him,  and  call  him  names. 

"The  d — d  old  landlubber,"  he  said  chuckling, 
"he's  pulling  astern  of  us  already,  and  he'll  have  a 
pretty  time  beating  back  up  the  bay.  Hope  this 
nor'wester'll  hold,  and  his  old  shooting-irons  will 
rattle  round  in  him  like  dried  peas  in  their  pod." 
At  about  four  in  the  afternoon  nothing  was  to  be 
seen  of  the  Lively  but  her  top-gallant  sails,  and  be 
fore  the  sun  had  set  she  had  disappeared  entirely. 
"  It  is  no  use  going  any  further,"  said  the  Captain 
of  the  frigate,  as  the  sun  was  setting.  "It  is  con 
trary  to  our  instructions,  and  we  must  not  leave 
the  Castle  for  longer  than  we  have  already  done. 
I  am  sorry,  Mr.  Hutchinson,  but  you  will  under 
stand  that  it  would  be  an  endless  job  to  catch  her, 
and  from  the  way  she  was  going,  when  last  seen, 
I  doubt  if  we  would  be  successful  under  any  cir 
cumstances." 

It 


132      'The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

It  was  necessary  to  make  several  long  tacks  in 
returning,  and  it  was  well  into  the  morning  hours 
when  the  ship  cast  anchor  off  the  Castle. 


CHAPTER 


Miss  HUTCHINSON 


Wherein  MifsDod- 
Bridge  makes  up  her 
mind  on  a  Certain  Subject. 


I 


Governor,  with  Peggy  and  Doro 
thy,  had  come  down  the  river  to  the 
Castle  in  the  morning,  and  had  been 
waiting  for  news  all  day.  They  were 
sadly  disappointed  at  the  result  of  the  chase.  Doro 
thy,  however,  showed  no  emotion.  She  had  soon 
made  up  her  mind  that  the  brig  could  not  be  caught, 
for  she  had  guessed  that  it  was  Ezra  s  clipper,  and 
she  had  often  heard  of  its  speed.  She  had  also  re 
solved  that  she  would  keep  her  self-possession, 
and  devote  her  whole  life,  if  necessary,  to  rinding 
David.  She  therefore  said  to  the  Governor,  "I 
thank  you,  your  Excellency,  for  what  you  have 
undertaken,  but  I  feared  it  would  not  succeed.  As 
you  return  to  Milton  this  evening  will  you  leave 
me  at  Long  Wharf?  I  wish  to  see  my  mother  and 
Charles.  Perhaps  he  can  be  of  some  use  to  us,  and 
I  think  for  the  moment  he  will  forget  his  anger, 
and  try  to  assist  us  in  rinding  our  old  friend.  Who 
it  was  that  captured  David  I  can't  say.  But  I  feel 
sure  that  Charles  would  not  go  as  far  as  that.  Let 
me  go,  and  I'll  return  to  the  Castle  and  await  news, 
for  something  may  yet  be  learned." 
"As  you  say,  Dorothy"  answered  the  Governor, 
"  your  brother  must  forget  his  anger  now  and  help 
you.  This  is  an  outrage,  and  even  the  Sons  of  Liberty 
will  be  ashamed  of  it.  Go.  I  will  send  you  at  once 
in  one  of  the  barges.  We  will  await  your  return, 
and  when  you  comeback  we  will  all  go  up  the  river 
together." 

[133]  An 


134     The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

An  hour  later,  Dorothy  found  herself  at  the  door 
of  the  familiar  house  in  Summer  Street.  She  lifted 
the  latch  with  a  firm  hand,  although  she  felt  some 
misgivings,  and  was  doubtful  how  she  would  be 
received.  Going  up  stairs  she  knocked  gently  on 
the  door  of  a  room  overlooking  the  garden,  and 
upon  receiving  an  answer,  walked  in.  Mrs.  Dod- 
dridge  was  standing  facing  Dorothy  as  she  en 
tered.  On  seeing  her  daughter  she  started,  but  at 
once  controlled  herself  and  drew  herself  to  her 
full  height,  and  looked  her  in  the  face.  Dorothy 
drew  back  under  her  mother's  gaze,  and  for  a  mo 
ment  her  eyes  dropped.  Mrs.  Doddridge  spoke 
first. 

"So  you've  returned  to  your  father's  house  once 
more,  Dorothy.  I  did  not  expect  to  see  you  so  soon 
after  all  I  have  heard.  What  brings  you  here? 
Why  do  you  forsake  your  good  and  loyal  friends 
who  are  so  kind  to  you,  and  are  so  considerate  of 
your  welfare?" 

"Oh!  Mother,"  cried  Dorothy,  raising  her  eyes, 
"you  know  I  have  always  loved  you  and  Charles, 
and  that  I  have  always  obeyed  you.  You  know 
that  you  gave  me  permission  to  go  to  Milton,  and 
that  you've  never  sent  for  me  to  come  back  to  you. 
You  know  that  my  brother  told  me  I  was  not  want 
ed  here  so  long  as  I  refused  to  agree  with  him,  and 
follow  his  foolish  advice.  I  Jove  you  and  Charles, 
but  I  also  love  the  memory  of  my  dear  father,  and 
so  long  as  I  live  I  will  do  as  he  taught  me.  I  do  not 
come  to  ask  you  to  take  me  back,  nor  to  say  that  I 
am  sorry  for  what  I  have  done.  God  knows  I 
have  done  nothing  that  I  am  ashamed  of,  and  I 

only 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       135 

only  wish  that  my  brother  could  say  the  same. 
Does  he  not  disregard  all  the  teachings  of  his 
father?  Is  he  not  a  traitor  to  his  King  and  untrue 
to  his  friends?  Deny  it,  dear  mother,  if  you  can, 
but  you  know  it's  all  true.  And  now  what  has  hap 
pened?  A  most  atrocious  crime  has  been  commit 
ted,  and  I  fear  that  Charles  knows  about  it,  al 
though  I  have  tried  to  persuade  myself  and  others 
that  such  a  thing  was  impossible.  I  am  sure,  how 
ever,  that  it  is  the  act  of  one  he  calls  his  friend,  and 
who  lives  under  your  roof.  Ezra  Jaquith  has  way 
laid  and  sent  away  on  his  brig  a  guest  of  the  Gov 
ernor,  David  Whittemore.  Did  you  know  it? "  said 
the  girl  in  horror,  seeing  her  mother  show  no  sur 
prise.  "Is  it  possible  thatj0#  knew  it,  and  did  not 
prevent  it?" 

"Yes,"  said  Mrs.  Doddridge>  her  eyes  flashing. 
"And  I  approve  of  it.  Do  you  know,  girl,  what  this 
man  has  done?  He  is  not  only  a  traitor  to  his  coun 
try,  but  he  has  stolen  your  heart  from  those  to 
whom  it  belongs.  Dorothy ',  the  highest  court  in  the 
land,  that  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  has  decreed  that 
David  Whittemore  be  exiled,  and  it  has  done  its 
duty." 

Dorothy  bit  her  lips,  and  said  with  forced  compo 
sure,  "Then  hear  what  I  have  to  say,  mother.  So 
long  as  you  believe  such  things  right;  so  long 
as  you  encourage  kidnapping  and  violence,  you 
will  never  see  me  in  this  house.  I  came  here  half 
hoping  that  you  and  Charles  would  help  me  save 
David,  but  you  have  proved  to  me  that  it  is  use 
less  to  seek  your  assistance." 

She 


136      'The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

She  turned  and  left  the  room  and  the  house.  She 
did  not  stop  until  she  reached  the  wharf,  and  was 
soon  back  at  the  Castle. 

"Your  Excellency,"  she  said  with  firmness,  "I 
will  return  with  you  to  Milton.  I  have  seen  my 
mother,  and  fear  I  cannot  go  there  again.  God 
will  be  good  to  me,  your  Excellency,  for  I  am  do 
ing  right." 

"  My  dear  Dorothy"  answered  the  Governor, 
"God  will  protect  all  who  act  according  to  their 
conscience.  Come  with  me.  I  sail  in  the  ship  Mi 
nerva  on  the  first  of  June,  and  you  shall  keep  Peg 
gy  company.  She  will  be  lonely,  and  I  have  often 
thought  that  she  should  have  a  young  friend  with 
her.  Be  her  companion,  will  you  not?" 
"Can  I  not  do  more  for  David  hero.?  Were  it  not 
for  that  thought  I  would  willingly  go." 
"We  will  have  all  that  is  possible  done  before  we 
leave,  and  afterwards  Gen.  Gage  will  investigate 
the  matter.  But  I  think  we  can  do  more  in  England 
than  here,  for  there  we  shall  not  be  under  the  eyes 
of  the  Sons  of  Liberty.  I  promise  you  that  the  mat 
ter  shall  be  looked  into  at  once.  I  have  no  fears  that 
they  will  do  him  harm,  for  had  they  wished  that, 
they  could  easily  have  done  him  an  injury  at  the 
outset.  No,  they  only  desire  to  get  him  out  of  the 
way,  for  a  time,  and  I  do  not  think  it  will  be  diffi 
cult  to  find  him." 

"Then  I  will  go  with  you,"  said  Dorothy,  simply. 
"Oh!  Dorothy  dear,"  said  Peggy ',  "I  shall  be  so 
happy  and  so  much  Jess  lonely  if  you  are  with 
me." 

CHAPTER 


&®®®|%  ® 
:®  ®S  ® 
1®®®®^® 


farewell, 


AFTER  Whittemore  was  on  board  the 
brig,  and  it  had  weighed  anchor,  Ezra 
and  Charles  turned  towards  Boston. 
They  went  direct  to  the  White  Cock 
Tavern  and  ordered  supper.  "I  am  glad  that's 
well  over,"  said  Charles.  "I  don't  like  to  hurt  the 
boy,  but  we  must  begin  now  to  get  rid  of  all  such 
as  know  the  secrets  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  for  they 
are  too  sacred  to  be  betrayed.  They  will  treat  him 
well  on  the  brig?" 

"  Never  fear.  They  have  my  orders,  and  Captain 
Carpenter  will  do  anything  for  my  father's  son. 
Master  David  will  be  put  on  shore  in  a  warm  cli 
mate  with  all  that  he  may  desire.  He  won't  get 
back  here  in  a  hurry,  but  I  don't  think  he'll  die. 
Now  as  to  Dorothy.  You  don't  intend  leaving  her 
at  Milton.  For  God's  sake,  send  for  her,  Charles, 
and  get  her  away  from  there." 
"Tou  don't  know  her.  She  will  never  yield  now, 
and  you  had  better  give  her  up.  We  have  other 
things  to  think  about  than  a  foolish  girl.  Put  her 
out  of  your  mind,  as  her  mother  and  brother  must 
do,  and  think  of  your  country." 
"I  can't  put  her  out  of  my  thoughts,  Charles,  but 
I  will  wait  until  she  sees  I  am  right.  Do  you  think 
she'll  suspect  that  we've  had  anything  to  do  with 
David's  disappearance?" 

"  How  can  she?  She  would  never  think  of  our  re- 
[137]  sorting 


138      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

sorting  to  kidnapping.  And  even  were  she  to  imag 
ine  it,  she  wouldn't  betray  us,  and  if  she  did,  who 
would  dare  touch  us  now?  The  Sons  of  Liberty  are 
supreme,  and  before  long  they  will  be  able  to  act 
openly,  which  I  shall  like  much  better.  They  say 
that  Hutchinson  sails  for  England  in  about  two 
weeks.  Thank  God  for  that!  for  he  is  a  fox  and 
Gage  is  not.  I  would  rather  have  the  stupid  fight 
er  than  the  crafty  statesman." 
"I  believe,"  replied  Ezra,  "that  he  expects  to 

come  back  again,  but  I  think  he  goes  never  to  re- 

» 
turn. 

"I  hope  so,"  said  Charles.  "By  the  way,  did  Pete 
go  on  the  brig?  He  may  be  of  use  to  us  here." 
"No,  he  is  at  the  Blue  Hills.  I  expect  to  have  him 
do  some  more  work  before  long." 
It  was  now  after  midnight,  and  the  tavern  was  de 
serted.  Caleb  White  had  got  over  his  scruples 
about  doing  violence,  because  he  considered  that 
matters  had  come  to  such  a  pass  that  it  was  impos 
sible  to  get  justice  otherwise.  As  a  Son  of  Liberty 
he  approved  of  removing  David,  providing  no 
injury  was  done  him.  "We  will  remain  here  to 
night,"  said  Ezra,  "  as  it  is  late  and  we  have  mat 
ters  to  attend  to  to-morrow  which  will  necessi 
tate  an  early  rising." 

"Very  well,"  said  White.  "  Everything  is  in  read 
iness  for  you,"  and  he  lighted  them  to  their  rooms. 
They  did  not  return  to  Mrs.  Doddridge's  until 
late  the  following  afternoon,  after  Dorothy  had 
been  and  gone.  Charles  noticed  his  mother's  wor 
ried  expression.  "You  look  ill,  dear  mother,"  he 
said,  "what  has  happened?" 

"Dorothy 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      139 

"Dorothy  has  been  here.  She  has  gone  away  still 
in  the  same  spirit  of  rebellion.  She  is  stubborn  and 
lawless,  and  I  fear  will  never  come  back  to  us  again. 
It  is  a  great  grief  to  me,  but  she  has  made  her  own 
choice  and  must  abide  by  it." 
"Dear  mother,  I  grieve  too.  But  it  must  be  so,  and 
I  can  never  own  her  as  a  sister  so  long  as  she  be 
haves  thus.  She  has  wilfully  abandoned  us  to  join 
our  enemies,  and  we  must  not  consider  her  far 
ther." 

"Poor  Ezra!"  said  his  mother.  "That  she  should 
treat  such  a  loyal,  loving  heart  with  such  contempt. 
I  fear  he  will  find  it  even  harder  to  be  reconciled." 
"No,  mother.  He  will  be  reasonable,  for  he  has 
said  as  much  to  me." 

"I  am  glad  of  that,  for  she  is  no  longer  worthy  of 
his  love." 

There  were  many  instances  during  the  War  of  the 
Revolution  of  families  being  irremediably  severed. 
As  in  all  civil  or  quasi-civil  conflicts,  this  was  the 
inevitable  result  of  circumstances, — the  saddest 
part  of  such  sad  struggles. 

Ezra  in  his  folly  had  fancied  that  all  that  was  neces 
sary  for  his  future  happiness  and  success  was  the 
separation  of  David  and  Dorothy.  He  did  not  sus 
pect  that  she  would  for  a  moment  imagine  that 
he  had  had  any  hand  in  it,  and  now  that  David  was 
out  of  his  way,  he  was  planning  to  regain  her  fa 
vour,  notwithstanding  that  he  had  told  Charles 
that  he  would  try  to  put  her  out  of  his  thoughts. 
Mrs.  Doddridge  and  her  son  said  nothing  to  him 
of  Dorothy's  visit  and  abrupt  departure,  and  he 
remained  in  ignorance  of  her  knowledge  of  his 

complicity 


140      'The  GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

complicity  in  the  affair.  It  was  about  a  week  after 
the  sailing  of  the  brig  that  he  decided  to  write  to 
her  and  ask  if  she  would  see  him,  as  he  had  many 
things  to  say.  Dorothy  took  no  notice  of  his  letter, 
and  on  the  first  day  of  June  he  mounted  his  horse 
and  started  for  Milton,  determined  to  force  an 
interview.  It  was  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing  when  he  arrived  at  the  Governor's  house,  and 
asked  for  Miss  Doddridge. 

" Miss Doddridge^ Sir, "said the  servant,  "left  here 
this  morning  with  His  Excellency  and  Miss  Hutch- 
inson,  and  they  are  now  on  their  way  to  England. 
If  you  will  turn  your  head  towards  the  harbour 
you  will  see  their  ship  just  sailing  out  from  the 
Castle." 

Ezra  turned,  and  with  an  oath  put  spurs  to  his 
horse,  and  started  for  Long  Wharf. 
"  Is  there  a  ship  sailing  for  England?  "  he  asked  up 
on  arriving  there. 

"One  will  depart  in  two  or  three  days,"  was  the 
answer. 

"I  will  take  passage  on  her,"  said  he.  He  returned, 
and  without  a  word  to  his  hosts,  began  prepara 
tions  for  his  journey. 

Ezra  had  been  told  the  truth.  Dorothy  had  made 
such  arrangements  as  she  could,  and  with  the  Gov 
ernor  and  Peggy  had  left  Milton  early  in  the  morn 
ing  of  June  first.  The  day  was  bright  and  warm, 
the  flowers  in  the  garden  were  sweet  and  brilliant. 
They  all  went  down  to  the  ha-ha  for  a  farewell  look 
over  the  meadows ;  the  Governor  touched  the  trees, 
shrubs  and  vines  tenderly,  bidding  each  a  silent 
farewell.  Elisha  had  also  come  from  Middleboro1  to 

g° 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      141 

go  with  them.  As  the  time  came  for  their  depart 
ure  the  Governor  gave  one  look  at  the  place  he 
loved  so  much;  then  turning  away  his  head  said 
with  a  sigh,  to  his  son  Thomas,  "Take  good  care 
of  everything  until  my  return.  Care  especially  for 
the  grape-vines,  whose  fruit  will  give  us  a  welcome 
home  in  the  Fall. By  the  way,  do  not  forget  to  send 
the  first  roses  to  Mrs.  Foye" 
The  coach  stood  ready  at  the  bottom  of  the  gravel 
path  leading  from  the  house  to  the  road.  Peggy, 
Dorothy  and  Elisha  got  into  it  and  were  driven 
across  the  river  to  Dorchester  Neck,  where  they 
waited  for  the  Governor,  who  walked  down  Mil 
ton  Hill,  where  he  was  greeted  by  a  sight  which 
moistened  his  eyes.  On  either  side,  the  road  was 
lined  with  the  citizens  of  the  town,  who  at  the  last 
moment  had  put  aside  their  political  feelings,  and 
had  gathered  to  bid  the  good  neighbour  and  citi- 

o  o  o 

zen  a  God-speed  on  his  journey.  With  the  excep 
tion  of  a  few  in  the  background,  they  all  uncov 
ered  as  he  approached,  and  a  faint  cheer  went  up, 
hushed,  however,  as  he  raised  his  hand  to  check 
it.  The  first  he  met  was  his  old  tenant  Vose.  Going 
up  to  him  he  took  his  hand,  saying  as  he  looked 
about  him,  "I  thank  you  for  this  demonstration 
of  your  good-will  and  kind  hearts.  God  bless  you, 
and  when  I  come  back  may  peace  have  forestalled 
me,  and  your  lives  have  returned  to  their  accus 
tomed  tranquillity." 

And  so  he  proceeded,  bowing  and  shaking  hands, 
until  he  finally  entered  his  coach  and  was  driven 
to  Dorchester  Point.  "My  God,"  he  said  as  he 
dropped  back  in  his  seat,  "these  people  love  and 

honour 


142      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

honour  me,  yet  do  not  wish  me  to  return.  What  a 
pity  they  cannot  see  the  light!" 
From  the  Point,  they  were  rowed  to  the  Castle, 
and  Thomas  Hutchinson  cast  a  last  look  at  that  dear 
New  England  he  loved  so  well,  as  they  sailed  in 
the  Minerva^  early  that  evening,  for  England. 


CHAPTER 


Inwhichrefidence 

./„  ,  ^^  c//. 

mate  is  Jhown  to  have  its  Disadvantages. 

ABOUT  THE  time  the  Minerva  had 
reached  a  point  midway  between  New 
England  and  Old  England,  the  brig 
Dreadnaught  drew  into  a  bay  on  the 
southern  side  of  a  little  island  in  the  South-east 
ern  corner  of  the  Caribbean  Sea.  The  shore  was 
rocky  and  precipitous,  save  at  the  head  of  the  bay 
where  a  sandy  beach  formed  a  crescent,  edged  by 
a  wood  of  palms  and  banyans.  Seen  from  a  dis 
tance,  the  island  seemed  like  a  high  hill,  but  a 
closer  view  showed  that  this  effect  was  given  by 
the  lofty  pointed  cliffs  on  the  eastern  shore.  Ap 
parently  there  was  no  access  to  it  except  by  the 
little  bay  into  which  the  brig  had  sailed,  and  this 
would  not  receive  a  vessel  of  much  draft.  As  Da 
vid  had  seen  no  land  for  some  days,  he  had  become 
convinced  that  he  was  to  be  left  at  a  safe  distance 
from  any  of  the  well-known  islands,  and  was  not 
surprised  when  the  brig  dropped  anchor,  and  lay 
on  placid  waters  unruffled  by  any  breeze,  and 
warmed  by  the  burning  tropical  sun.  The  pas 
sage  had  been  a  smooth  one,  save  for  a  tempest 
in  the  Gulf  Stream,  but  the  wind  had  been  very 
light,  and  the  Captain  had  become  impatient  at 
the  slow  progress  made.  Whittemore  was  impa 
tient  too,  for  he  was  in  haste  to  be  on  shore,  no 
matter  where  it  might  be.  He  felt  that  his  chances 
of  escaping  from  the  brig  were  inconsiderable, 
while  if  left  on  shore  he  could  think  and  plan,  and 
[143]  be 


144      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

be  his  own  master.  He  knew  the  folly  of  attempt 
ing  resistance,  and  he  was  too  proud  to  show  emo 
tion  or  fear  at  his  position. 
When  the  brig  had  come  to  anchor  the  Captain 
said,  "Mr.  Whittemare^  it  is  my  painful  duty  to 
leave  you  on  this  island.  You  will  be  well  supplied 
with  clothing  and  stores,  and  there  is  plenty  of 
room  for  exercise,  but  I  fear  you  will  have  little 
company.  Is  there  anything  you  desire?  If  so  you 
shall  have  it,  if  in  my  power  to  give  it  to  you." 
David  looked  at  him  with  scorn,  and  answered, 
"  I  thank  you,  Captain.  There  is  nothing  I  wish 
save  that  you  put  me  on  shore  at  once  and  leave 
me  in  peace.  Stay,  there  is  also  this.  Tell  Mr.  Ezra 
Jaquith  that  he  has  played  a  very  pretty  game,  and 
that  I  appreciate  his  skill.  Tell  him  also  that  many 
strange  things  happen  in  this  world,  and  that  he 
may  yet  regret  what  he  has  done." 
"Into  the  boat  then,"  shouted  the  Captain,  turn 
ing  to  four  sailors  standing  near.  "Row  the  gen 
tleman  to  the  head  of  the  bay,  leave  him  and  the 
goods,  and  then  return.  Lively,  now!" 
David  went  quietly  down  into  the  boat,  and  not 
long  after  was  seated  on  a  small  chest  on  the  sandy 
beach,  watching  the  brig  get  under  way. 
When  finally  she  had  disappeared  he  arose  and 
looked  about  him.  He  had  kept  the  time  from  the 
brig's  reckoning^so  he  knew  that  his  watch  would 
give  it  to  him  correctly.  He  found  upon  consult 
ing  it  that  it  was  a  little  after  five  in  the  afternoon. 
The  sun  was  still  high  and  scorching.  He  bathed 
his  head  in  the  salt  water,  picked  up  the  small  chest 
which  had  been  left  for  him,  and  carried  it  into  the 
shade  of  the  overhanging  clifF. 

Had 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       145 

Had  he  been  foolish  to  offer  no  resistance?  He 
thought  not.  The  crew  had  undoubtedly  orders 
to  overpower  and  kill  him,  if  necessary,  and  he 
had  done  the  wisest  thing,  taking  the  only  chance 
of  ultimate  liberty.  To  be  sure  his  prospects  were 
not  bright,  for  Jaquith  had  probably  sent  him  to 
an  unfrequented  island,  off  the  course  of  passing 
vessels. 

He  wondered  what  the  outcome  of  all  this  would 
be,  and  how  long  he  would  have  to  remain  in  this 
lonely  place.  Opening  the  chest  he  examined  its 
contents.  It  held  some  clothing,  provisions,  to 
bacco,  and  several  flasks  of  wine  and  spirits.  These 
latter  reminded  him  that  if  he  wished  to  live  he 
must  have  fresh  water.  He  did  not  know  that  with 
one  or  two  exceptions,  there  was  no  running  water 
on  the  chain  of  islands  of  which  this  was  one,  so 
he  proceeded  to  search  for  a  spring  and  a  suitable 
resting-place  near  one  of  the  high  cliffs,  whence 
he  could  watch  the  sea  for  a  passing  vessel. 
He  entered  a  forest  near  by,  keeping  a  close  watch 
for  water,  and  at  last  his  search  was  rewarded  by 
finding  a  little  stream.  The  spot  was  not  more  than 
half  a  mile  from  the  bay,  and  he  could  reach  the 
crest  of  the  highest  cliff"  with  ease. 
Three  weeks  passed,  and  he  neither  met  with  an 
accident,  nor  saw  any  passing  vessels.  He  had  spent 
as  much  time  on  the  cliffs  as  the  burning  rays  of 
the  sun  permitted,  and  the  lookout  over  the  bay 
was  such  that  he  was  satisfied  the  situation  could 
not  be  bettered.  He  still  had  a  good  supply  of  food 
and  drink,  and  the  tropical  fruit  he  gathered,  with 
water  from  his  spring,  supplied  all  his  needs. 

He 


146      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

He  thought  much  of  Dorothy,  but  he  felt  so  cer 
tain  of  her  safety  in  the  hands  of  the  Governor 
that  he  worried  little,  except  for  the  shock  his  dis 
appearance  must  have  given  her.  But  he  reasoned 
rightly  that  she  would  suspect  Ezra  of  having 
something  to  do  with  it,  and  knowing  her  strength 
of  character,  felt  sure  that  she  would  not  pine,  but 
set  to  work  at  once  in  his  behalf.  All  this  consoled 
him,  and  made  him  doubly  anxious  to  keep  his 
head  clear  and  his  nerves  steady. 
He  was  at  his  post  on  the  cliff  thinking  over  all 
these  things  for  the  hundredth  time,  when  he  was 
suddenly  aroused  from  his  revery  by  the  sight  of 
a  sail  on  the  horizon.  His  heart  bounded,  and  with 
a  shout  he  sprang  to  his  feet,  waving  branches  he 
had  arranged  for  that  purpose.  The  sail  grew 
smaller  and  smaller,  and  finally  disappeared  be 
hind  a  projecting  promontory  in  the  direction 
of  the  South-east. 

At  no  time  had  it  been  near  enough  to  be  signalled 
by  the  solitary  man,  and  he  had  realized  this,  yet 
the  disappointment  was  almost  more  than  he  could 
bear. 

As  the  sun  dropped  behind  the  horizon,  he  de 
scended  the  cliff  and  returned  to  his  cave.  The 
moon  was  bright  in  the  heavens,  and  after  sup 
ping  he  started  out  into  the  forest  towards  the 
bay,  thinking  the  cool  of  the  evening  would  re 
fresh  him.  With  his  clasp-knife  he  had  cut  a  heavy 
billet,  for  although  there  were  no  animals  of  any 
size  to  molest  him,  he  felt  companionship  in  it, 
and  more  security  from  the  reptiles  which  at  times 
annoyed  him. 

He 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       147 

He  had  walked  to  the  place  where  the  trees  end 
ed  and  the  shore  began,  when  he  was  surprised  to 
hear  a  splashing  sound  upon  the  waters  of  the  bay. 
It  was  indistinct,  but  it  was  certainly  there,  and 
it  grew  louder  and  louder  as  he  stood  with  his 
head  bent  forward  to  listen. 
"A  bird  or  a  fish,"  he  thought,  and  started  forward 
again.  No !  it  was  not  that.  It  was  a  regular  splash, 
as  of  oars  dipping  in  the  water.  He  certainly  had 
seen  no  signs  of  life  on  the  island.  And  yet  he  be 
came  more  and  more  convinced  that  the  sound  he 
heard  could  be  made  by  nothing  but  a  boat  pro 
pelled  by  men's  arms,  so  he  slipped  into  a  dark 
opening  in  the  cliff  and  waited,  looking  down  the 
moonlit  bay. 


CHAPTER 


prijing  Adventure. 


Which   treats  of 
moretbanonefur- 


H 


E  had  watched  a  few  moments,  when 
a  dark  object  appeared  on  the  water, 
and  soon  he  could  see  the  outline  of 
a  boat,  and  the  moving  backs  and 
arms  of  several  men.  Then  he  felt  his  first  real  sen 
sation  of  despair,  and  his  over-wrought  nerves  gave 
way.  He  thought  he  saw  it  all  now;  Jaquith  had 
sent  out  a  second  party  to  murder  him.  His  hands 
sought  his  knife  and  club,  and  he  determined  this 
time  to  fight  his  way  clear  if  possible.  In  a  few  mo 
ments  the  bow  grated  upon  the  sand,  and  one  by 
one  the  men  jumped  out,  and  then  hauled  the 
boat  up  after  them.  They  stopped  and  looked 
about  them.  He  could  not  see  their  faces,  but 
their  forms  were  powerful.  One  of  them  pointed 
towards  the  spot  where  David  was  hidden,  and 
they  all  started  in  that  direction.  His  heart  stood 
still,  and  he  crouched  down,  holding  his  knife 
and  stick  tighter.  He  would  have  risked  almost 
anything  to  get  away  from  his  prison,  to  which 
even  death,  had  it  not  been  for  Dorothy ',  would 
be  preferable.  He  was  unnecessarily  alarmed,  how 
ever,  for  they  passed  his  hiding  place,  and  turn 
ing  around  the  clifF,  disappeared.  What  could 
they  be  in  search  of,  if  not  of  him  ?  The  idea  of 
flight  came  into  his  head,  and  he  was  preparing 
to  make  a  dash  for  their  boat,  when  his  attention 
was  attracted  by  the  sound  of  footsteps  directly 
[148]  behind 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       149 

behind  him,  seemingly  in  the  same  cleft  in  which 
he  was  hidden.  He  at  once  perceived  that  they 
had  entered  an  opening  near  where  he  was,  and  in 
close  proximity  to  him.  But  he  could  do  nothing 
but  wait,  and  trust  that  he  would  escape  discovery. 
The  footsteps  at  last  stopped,  and  a  voice  said, 
"This  is  the  place,  Captain  Peasely,  and  a  bloody 
fine  place  it  is,  too.  We  stored  our  stuff  here  when 
I  sailed  in  the  Black  Betsey  fifteen  years  ago,  and 
I  don't  believe  a  soul  has  set  foot  here  since.  Now 
that  we've  cleaned  out  that  sloop  and  emptied  her 
belly,  you  can  use  this  for  a  ware-house." 
"All  right,  my  man,"  answered  the  one  addressed. 
"It  is  certainly  a  good  place,  and  I  don't  think 
we  can  do  better.  How  large  is  this  cave,  and  how 
much  will  it  hold?" 

"I  should  say  about  forty  feet  square,  Sir,  and  it 
will  hold  all  you'll  get  this  season.  I  wish  we  could 
have  caught  that  d — d  Yankee,  Sir.  She  looked  like 
a  good  one." 

"  Yes,  she  was  certainly  a  skimmer.  What  was  her 
name?  Did  you  notice?" 

"Dreadnaught,  Sir.  Blast  them  Tankees;  I  have  a 
wish  to  get  hold  of  one  and  shake  him  up." 
"You're  right,"  said  a  voice  which  had  not  been 
heard  before,  "if  ever  I  get  aboard  of  one  of  'em 
I'll  slash  away  with  a  will." 
"Well,  my  men,  I  agree  with  you  in  all  this,"  said 
the  Captain,  "but  we  have  work  to  do  before  day 
light,  and  plenty  of  it." 

"Aye,  aye,"  said  the  others,  and  they  went  out 
of  the  cave,  returned  to  the  boat,  and  rowed  away. 
David  now  trembled  from  head  to  foot.  With  a 

supreme 


150      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

supreme  effort,  however,  he  controlled  himself, 
and  going  out  into  the  air,  walked  feverishly  up 
and  down  the  beach.  He  now  felt  that  he  might 
soon  be  a  free  man,  but  that  he  must  strike  boldly, 
and  with  apparent  confidence. 
He  knew  from  what  he  had  overheard  that  the 
men  would  soon  come  back  to  hide  their  ill-got 
ten  goods;  so  he  waited,  intending  to  speak  to  the 
Captain,  and  try  to  persuade  him  to  take  him  off. 
In  the  course  of  an  hour  he  heard  the  boat  ap 
proaching  up  the  bay,  and  he  drew  a  long  breath, 
for  he  knew  that  what  he  did  now  meant  life  or 
death  to  him.  The  boat  was  beached.  This  time 
it  was  piled  high  with  some  kind  of  merchandise, 
and  six  men  disembarked.  They  quietly  unloaded 
the  "stuff,"  and  left  it,  while  they  all  went  with 
torches  to  examine  the  cave.  David  remained  qui 
et  until  they  were  well  inside,  then  slipping  out  ran 
down  towards  the  boat  to  await  their  return. 
He  saw  the  flicker  of  the  torches  as  they  came  one 
by  one  into  view,  and  manned  himself  for  a  des 
perate  effort.  They  did  not  notice  him  until  close 
upon  him,  and  then  he  was  covered  by  six  pistols, 
accompanied  by  as  many  oaths.  He  folded  his  arms, 
looked  from  one  to  the  other,  and  said  slowly, 
"Wait  a  moment,  my  friends,  and  don't  kill  one 
who  may  be  of  service  to  you.  Will  you  let  me 
speak,  Captain  Peasely?  or  shall  they  shoot?" 
On  hearing  his  name  spoken  in  this  place  and  by  a 
stranger,  the  Captain  started. 
"  D — n  it !  How  do  you  know  my  name,  Sir,  and 
what  are  you  doing  in  such  a  place  as  this?" 

"First," 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      151 

"First,"  answered  David,  "request  your  men  to 
put  up  their  weapons.  Thank  you.  Now  before  I 
answer  your  question,  let  me  ask  you  one.  Do  you 
wish  to  own  the  brig  Dreadnaught,  the  fastest  in 
all  these  seas?"  The  Captain  started  again.  "If 
so,"  he  continued,  "listen  quietly  to  me,  and  do  as 

I5> 
say. 

"  I  would  answer  you  '  Yes'  if  I  thought  you  could 
do  anything,"  answered  Peasely,  eyeing  him  sus 
piciously.  "But  don't  attempt  to  spin  any  yarns; 
it  won't  do." 

"Take  me  from  here,  and  you  shall  have  that 
brig,"  was  David's  reply. 

"Why  should  I  believe  such  nonsense  as  this?" 
replied  the  Captain  with  an  oath.  "How  are  you 
to  give  her  to  me?" 

"  Listen.  I  am  David  Whittemore,  of  Boston,  in  the 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  because  I  am 
a  loyal  subject,  I  have  been  kidnapped  and  brought 
to  this  island  to  die.  You  ask  what  that  has  to  do 
with  the  Dreadnaught?" 

"I  do,"  said  Peasely,  "and  I  don't  want  any  fool 
ing.  You'll  give  us  good  proof  of  what  you  say, 
or  we'll  bury  you  here." 

"Well,  I'll  satisfy  you  then.  It  was  the  owner  of 
the  brig,  Mr.  Ezra  Jaquith,  who  had  me  waylaid 
and  brought  here,  and  I  have  sworn  a  solemn  oath 
that  if  ever  I  leave  this  place  I  will  be  revenged.  If 
you  inform  the  authorities  that  it  was  Jaquith  who 
got  me  out  of  the  way,  I  will  see  that  you  have  the 
brig.  If  you  prefer  to  take  her  yourself,  I'll  help 
you  to  find  her.  If  you  shoot  me  or  leave  me  on  this 
island,  you'll  never  have  her,  for  you  will  not  dare 

to 


152      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

to  go  to  the  government  without  me.  What  do 
you  say?  Is  it  agreed?" 

"What  shall  it  be,  boys?  Take  him,  or  leave 
him?"  said  the  Captain,  addressing  his  men. 
"Take  him,"  said  the  voice  David  had  first  heard 
in  the  cave.  "I  want  a  voyage  on  that  brig." 
"Mr.  Whittemore"  said  Peasely,  "we'll  take  you 
on  one  condition.  You  shall  not  leave  the  Night 
Hawk  until  the  brig  is  mine.  I'll  do  this  because 
you  are  loyal  to  England,  and  I  hate  the  Yankees. 
But  remember  that  you  are  to  swear  that  you'll 
never  say  who  it  was  who  took  the  brig." 
"Fear  nothing,"  answered  David.  "Long  before 
that  time  comes  I  shall  prove  to  you  that  I  am 
to  be  trusted." 

He  then  gave  what  remained  of  the  wine  and  spir 
its  to  the  Captain  to  distribute  among  the  crew. 
He  had  scarcely  touched  them  himself,  for  he  was 
wise  enough  to  know  that  it  would  do  him  little 
good  in  that  hot  climate.  The  next  morning  he 
was  on  the  poop  of  the  brig,  watching  the  little 
island  disappearing  below  the  southern  horizon. 
His  face  wore  a  bitter  smile,  and  he  muttered  as 
the  last  cliff  dropped  out  of  sight,  "  Now,  Master 
Ezra,  we  shall  see  who  will  prevail ! " 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXVI 

His  Excellency  is  not  at  home. 


1 


Night  Hawk  was  an  English  built 
brig  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
tons,  sparred  and  rigged  for  speed  in 
light  weather,  but  unsafe  for  the  North 
ern  Atlantic  in  the  rough  season.  In  July,  however, 
she  could  proceed  towards  New  England  without 
anxiety  to  her  crew,  and  she  was  able  to  overhaul 
most  of  the  craft  that  crossed  her  path. 
The  commander  was  a  young  man  of  not  more 
than  three-and-twenty  years  of  age,  new  to  the 
trade  of  a  pirate,  but  a  thorough  sailor,  having 
been  to  sea  since  boyhood. 

The  crew  numbered  fifteen  in  all,  including  the 
master,  and  the  mate  Bill  Saunders,  an  old  salt 
of  about  fifty  years  of  age,  who  had  sailed  over  all 
the  seas,  and  in  every  capacity.  Like  Captain  Pease- 
ly  he  hated  the  colonists,  and  for  the  last  few  months 
they  had  both  devoted  especial  attention  to  annoy 
ing  American  ships. 

The  Captain  had  often  wished  that  he  might  have 
a  fleeter  craft,  and  when  giving  chase  to  the  Dread- 
naught,  became  convinced  that  he  had  found  what 
he  had  been  seeking,  and  resolved  that  he  would 
do  all  in  his  power  to  win  her. 
But  having  recently  stripped  a  small  sloop  of  her 
belongings,  he  was  heavy  laden,  and  felt  the  neces 
sity  of  lightening  his  brig  before  attempting  the 
Dreadnaughf s  capture.  He  had  consulted  Bill 
[153]  Saunders 


154      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Saunders  as  to  a  suitable  place  in  which  to  dispose 
of  the  cargo,  and  the  mate,  who  fifteen  years  be 
fore  had  sailed  with  a  notorious  pirate  in  the  Black 
Betsey,  told  him  of  the  island  and  its  cave.  It  was 
not  on  any  chart,  but  he  had  no  difficulty  in  find 
ing  it. 

At  David's  appearance,  Peasely  had  suspected  that 
the  mate  had  got  him  into  a  trap,  which  feeling  was 
soon  dispelled,  however,  by  the  demeanor  and  lan 
guage  of  the  stranger.  On  learning  his  knowledge 
of  the  Dreadnaught,  he  remembered  that  he  had 
met  the  brig  coming  from  the  direction  of  the 
island  and  evidently  bound  for  the  coast  of  North 
America.  These  facts  seemed  to  lend  probability 
to  the  story,  and  so  he  decided  to  take  David  on 
board  to  be  held  a  prisoner  until  he  should  secure 
the  brig. 

Once  on  water,  David  laid  plans  for  the  future. 
He  would  not  betray  Peasely,  for  he  felt  that  come 
what  might  he  was  his  rescuer,  and  that  through 
him  he  might  have  revenge. 
The  Captain  put  aside  all  thoughts  of  other  prizes, 
concentrating  his  energies  on  the  one  object  in 
view.  For  more  than  two  weeks  the  winds  were 
light,  and  the  brig  seemed  to  crawl  through  the 
water.  Then  a  breeze  from  the  south-east  sprung 
up,  and  early  in  August  they  entered  Massachu 
setts  Bay,  casting  anchor  off  Braintree  late  in  the 
afternoon.  David  would  have  given  much  to  go 
to  Milton,  but  he  was  closely  watched,  and  knew 
he  was  still  a  prisoner.  He  therefore  dismissed  the 
subject  with  a  sigh. 

"Mr. 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      155 

"Mr.  Whittemore"  saidPeasely,  approaching  him 
after  the  brig  had  dropped  anchor,  "we've  taken 
a  long  trip  at  your  recommendation,  and  I  hope 
for  your  sake  as  well  as  our  own,  that  you  have  not 
deceived  us.  We're  in  close  quarters  here,  and  it 
won't  do  to  take  too  many  chances  for  nothing. 
What  are  you  going  to  do  now?" 
"I  have  thought  it  all  over,"  answered  David. 
"There  is  in  the  Castle  yonder  a  friend  of  mine 
who  can  be  trusted.  I'll  write  to  him  to  come  on 
board  your  brig,  and  two  of  your  most  trusted 
men  may  carry  the  letter  to  him.  I  have  reasons 
for  believing  he'll  come,  and  that  he  can  give  us 
the  information  that  we  need." 
"Now  look  here,  Mr.  Whittemore"  said  the  Cap 
tain  with  a  suspicious  look,  "do  you  think  me  a 
fool  ?  Do  you  suppose  I  will  allow  you  to  write 
to  the  Castle,  as  you  call  it,  and  get  the  officers 
down  on  me?  If  you  have  nothing  better  to  pro 
pose  we'll  set  sail  again." 

"  You  don't  understand  me,"  said  David  quietly. 
"I  intend  that  you  shall  read  the  letter  and  ap 
prove  it.  Doesn't  that  satisfy  you?" 
"No,  it  does  not,"  said  the  other. "  If  he  is  brought 
here  he'll  have  to  be  taken  back  again,  and  then 
before  we  can  get  under  way,  one  of  those  frig 
ates  will  be  down  after  us." 
"I  think,"  replied  David,  "that  if  he  is  willing 
to  trust  himself  with  your  men,  and  on  your  ship, 
you  shouldn't  hesitate  to  have  confidence  in  him. 
Do  as  I  say,  Captain,  and  you  will  not  regret  it. 
Besides,  it  may  be  the  means  of  finding  the  ship. 
She  must  have  been  here,  and  there  is  no  other 
way  of  learning  where  she  has  sailed." 

The 


156      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

The  Captain  walked  up  and  down  the  deck,  and 
then  stopped  before  Whittemore. ' '  You've  appeared 
honest  since  you  have  been  on  the  Night  Hawk, 
and  perhaps  I  ought  to  trust  you.  But  mind  one 
thing.  You'll  be  on  the  brig  after  your  friend  leaves, 
and  if  there's  treachery,  so  sure  as  my  name  is  Jim 
Peasely,  I'll  have  you  lashed  to  the  foremast  and 
made  a  target  for  my  men  to  practice  on." 
"I  agree  to  that,"  answered  David  smiling.  He 
went  below,  and  soon  returned  with  a  letter  to 
Captain  Fair  weather.  Captain  Peasely  approving 
it,  the  mate  and  one  of  the  crew  jumped  into  the 
boat,  and  were  soon  out  of  sight. 
It  was  some  hours  before  the  boat  returned.  The 
letter  had  not  been  delivered,  for  Captain  Fair- 
weather  was  not  at  the  Castle. 
"  Now,  Mr.  Whittemore,  what  next  ?  "asked  Pease 
ly.  "  We  can't  fool  away  our  time  in  this  way.  Shall 
we  put  out  to  sea?" 

"As  you  like.  But  if  you  do  so,  you'll  lose  what 
you've  come  for." 

"I  think,"  said  Peasely \  "that  we  have  learned 
about  all  we  can  from  you,  and  that  we  can  do  about 
as  well  without  you  as  with  you.  If  the  boat  is  about 
here,  we  can  find  her.  I'll  wait  until  sunrise,  and  if 
you  think  of  nothing  before  then  I  shall  have  to 
get  rid  of  you  in  some  way." 
"Captain  Peasely"  said  David  unmoved,  "I  have 
spoken  to  you  honestly.  I  have  as  much  reason  as 
you  can  have  for  wishing  to  find  the  Dreadnaught^ 
and  can  still  assist  you.  Don't  be  hasty.  I  wish  to 
help  you,  but  first  let  me  go  on  land.  It  isn't  yet 
midnight,  and  you  have  strong  men  on  the  brig. 

Get 


The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN.      157 

Get  into  the  boat  with  me  and  two  others,  and  row 
me  to  Milton  by  the  way  of  the  Neponset  River. 
It's  a  long  pull,  but  we  can  be  there  and  back  be 
fore  daylight.  Bind  me,  gag  me  if  you  wish,  but 
go  where  I  say,  and  do  what  I  ask  you." 
"Very  well,"  answered  Peasely^  "I  will  give  you 
this  chance.  I  suppose  we've  a  right  to  row  on 
these  waters.  Muffle  the  oars,"  he  continued,  turn 
ing  to  two  sailors.  "We'll  go." 
He  seated  himself  opposite  David  with  his  pis 
tol  on  his  knee.  On  reaching  the  bank  of  the  river 
at  the  foot  of  the  Governor's  field,  David  mo 
tioned  to  them  to  draw  in  to  land. 
"Now,"  he  said," you  may  put  on  the  gag  if  you 
see  fit." 

"We'll  not  do  it  here.  We've  a  good  watch  on 
you,  and  the  place  seems  quiet." 
"Very  well  then,  send  one  of  your  men  up  over 
the  field  to  the  house  across  the  road.  Let  him  rouse 
them,  and  ask  Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson,  the  Gov 
ernor's  son,  to  come  to  this  place  to  see  me." 
"Mr.  Whittemore"  said  Peasely,  "if  you'll  give 
me  your  solemn  word  that  you  will  come  back 
with  me,  I'll  accompany  you,  and  let  you  do  your 
own  errand.  I  don't  think  you'll  try  to  escape 
me." 

"  I  thought  you  would  come  to  trust  me,"  replied 
David. 

The  two  men  went  up  the  hill,  Whittemore  leading 
the  way.  The  night  was  dark  and  all  was  still  about 
the  house.  David  went  to  the  front  door  and  pound 
ed  the  knocker  vigorously.  There  was  no  response 
and  he  repeated  his  loud  knockings,  until  the  Cap 
tain 


158      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

tain  warned  him  that  the  noise  might  reach  other 
ears. 

"This  is  strange,"  said  he,  "some  one  should  cer 
tainly  hear  us.  Come  round  the  house,  and  try  the 
other  door."  They  did  so  without  success. 
"And  now  to  the  farmhouse."  Making  their  way 
through  the  garden  they  rapped  on  the  door.  Af 
ter  a  few  moments  a  window  was  raised,  and  a 
voice  with  a  strong  Scotch  accent  asked,  "Who 
is  there?  What  do  ye  want  at  this  time  o'  night? " 
"Where  is  Mr.  Hutchinson?"  asked  David. 
"If  you  mean  His  Excellency,  he's  in  England. 
Mr.  Thomas  is  at  the  Castle,  and  will  not  return 
here  soon,  I  fear." 

"And  Miss  Doddridge?"  asked  David,  his  voice 
trembling. 

"She  has  gone  to  England  wi'  them.  But  this  is  a. 
fine  time  o'  night  to  be  wakin'  one  and  askin'  one 
questions.  Who  be  ye,  anyhow?" 
"I'm  Mr.  Whittemore,  and  mean  no  harm.  I  think 
you  know  my  name." 

"Him  that  is  dead! "  said  the  gardener,  shutting 
the  window  with  a  slam. 

"Return  to  the  boat,  Captain,"  said  David,  "I'm 
your  prisoner  again.  We  will  start  for  the  open 
sea  as  soon  as  we  reach  the  brig,  and  wait  ofF  Cape 
Cod  awhile  in  the  hope  of  seeing  the  Dreadnaught. 
If  this  fails,  do  with  me  as  you  like." 
Just  as  the  red  light  of  dawn  was  beginning  to 
show  itself  over  the  bay,  the  Night  Hawk  set  sail 
before  a  fair  wind,  reaching  Cape  Cod  about  noon. 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

neffes  a  Naval  Engagement. 

DESPAIR  overcame  David.  The  sail 
down  the  bay  that  August  morning, 
was  far  more  painful  to  him  than  the 
one  he  had  taken  in  the  Dreadnaught 
two  months  before.  Then  he  had  hopes  of  ultimate 
liberty;  now  all  seemed  to  be  against  him.  Captain 
Fairweather  was  away  from  the  Castle;  'Thomas 
Hutchinson  was  at  the  Castle,  and  the  Milton  house 
was  deserted;  while  Dorothy  was  on  the  other  side 
of  the  wide  ocean!  Peasely  had  begun  to  lose  faith 
in  him,  and  he  was  eyed  with  looks  of  angry  sus 
picion  by  all  on  board  the  brig. 
They  passed  a  few  small  fishing  vessels  and  one 
large  schooner  before  reaching  the  Cape,  but  for 
some  hours  no  sail  had  been  seen.  It  was  late  in  the 
afternoon,  and  David  was  leaning  over  the  rail 
watching  the  water  rush  by,  when  he  was  startled 
by  the  voice  of  the  man  on  the  lookout  calling,  "A 
sail!  Brig  to  the  Sou'east,  Sir.  Looks  like  that 
Yankee" 

In  a  moment  David  had  sprung  to  his  feet  and 
rushed  forward. 

"Give  me  the  glass,  Captain.  If  it  is  the  Dread- 
naught,  I  shall  know  her.  I  have  had  a  pretty  close 
acquaintance  with  her." 

With  a  trembling  hand  he  covered  the  vessel. 
"Captain  Peasely"  he  said,  his  voice  choking, 
"Now's  your  chance.  That's  the  Dread-naught!" 
"Clear  the  decks,"  shouted  the  Captain.  "Batten 
[159]  down 


160     The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

down  everything.  To  your  guns,  Master  Saunders. 
Crowd  on  all  sail  and  make  for  her." 
As  they  were  out  of  sight  of  land,  with  no  other 
vessels  visible,  the  opportunity  seemed  propitious. 
The  Dreadnaught  was  still  some  miles  away,  but 
was  evidently  in  no  hurry,  and  suspected  nothing, 
for  she  was  beating  leisurely  towards  Cape  Cod  un 
der  light  sail.  It  was  an  easy  task  for  the  pirate  to 
intercept  her  passage,  and  when  within  a  few  hun 
dred  yards  of  her,  Saunders  sent  a  shot  across  her 
bows  which  made  her  stagger.  In  a  moment  she 
came  about,  and  was  bowling  before  the  wind. 
Captain  Carpenter  had  been  taken  entirely  by  sur 
prise.  P easely  knew  too  well  that  if  she  once  got 
under  way  his  prize  would  be  lost,  so  he  fired 
again,  this  time  directly  at  the  brig.  The  shot  was 
well  aimed,  and  with  a  crash  the  lower  fore-top 
sail  yard  fell  overboard,  carrying  the  great  fore 
sail  with  it.  There  it  hung,  dragging  in  the  water 
and  impeding  the  brig's  way.  In  a  few  moments, 
however,  the  wreck  was  cleared,  and  floated  in  her 
wake.  Even  without  her  foresail,  the  Dreadnaught 
was  almost  a  match  for  the  pirate.  But  she  had  been 
much  delayed,  and  Carpenter,  fearing  that  another 
shot  might  stop  him,  prepared  for  fighting,  answer 
ing  Peasely  with  his  little  cannon,  but  without  ef 
fect.  The  latter  did  not  wish  to  injure  his  prize 
further,  and  as  he  was  gaining  on  her  every  mo 
ment,  ceased  firing.  At  last  he  came  along-side, 
and  at  the  risk  of  a  serious  collision,  grappled  her. 
There  were  only  eight  men  all  told  on  the  Dread- 
naught,  none  of  them  fighters  save  the  Captain, 
so  the  struggle  was  short,  and  in  less  than  half 

an 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       161 

an  hour  the  crew  was  overpowered  and  securely 
bound.  Captain  Carpenter  had  resisted  nobly,  but 
with  three  or  four  desperate  fellows  on  top  of  him, 
had  been  able  to  do  nothing  more  than  give  a  few 
blows  with  his  cutlass,  none  of  which  were  serious. 
The  captain  of  the  Dreadnaught  did  not  notice 
David  among  his  adversaries  until,  when  bound, 
he  saw  a  dark  figure  standing  over  him.  "Mr. 
Whittemore"  he  gasped,  "how  came  you  here? 
Is  it  your  ghost?" 

"It's  nothing  of  the  kind,"  replied  David,  with 
a  mocking  smile. "It  is  he  in  the  flesh  whom  you 
were  kind  enough  to  take  on  a  trip  to  the  sunny 
islands  of  the  Caribbean  Sea.  Did  you  give  Mr. 
Jaquith  my  message?" 

"I  did  not,  Mr.  Whittemorefor  the  reason  that 
he's  in  England,  d — n  him!  and  I've  been  hover 
ing  about  this  coast  for  some  time  at  a  loss  what 
to  do.  But  it  seems  now  that  I  needn't  have  any 
further  anxiety." 

"You  are  safe  in  my  hands,  Captain  Carpenter" 
replied  David.  "You  treated  me  as  well  as  you 
knew  how,  on  our  last  voyage,  and  you  shall  be 
treated  likewise.  Will  you  do  me  a  favour  ? "  added 
he,  turning  to  Captain  Peasely. 
"That  I  will,"  answered  Peasely,  "  and  heartily." 
"Then  let  Saunders  man  the  Night  Hawk  and 
take  our  friends  here  and  land  them  somewhere 
on  the  coast.  Give  them  provisions,  but  don't 
make  it  a  pleasure  trip  for  them  to  get  back  to 
Boston.  Then  when  the  Dreadnaught1 's  foresail  is 
repaired,  take  me  to  England  and  leave  me  there." 
"All  right,"  said  the  Captain.  "You'll  always  have 


162      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

a  friend  in  me.  Trust  me  to  make  'em  comforta 
ble,"  he  added,  with  a  wink. 
Before  long,  the  Night  Hawk  was  headed  towards 
the  North,  and  the  Dreadnaught  towards  England. 


CHAPTER 


/ions  from  the  Colonies. 


AFTER  a  wearisome  passage,  during 
which  all  suffered  much  discomfort, 
the  ship  Minerva  drew  into  Dover 
Harbour  on  the  twenty-ninth  day  of 
June,  1  774.  Poor  Mark  had  died  on  the  way,  but 
with  this  exception  the  little  party  was  well. 
To  all  except  the  Governor  these  scenes  were  new, 
and  the  line  of  the  English  coast  as  it  appeared 
from  the  Channel  affected  each  traveller  differ 
ently.  To  one  alone  was  it  a  real  pleasure  to  see  it, 
and  he  hailed  it  with  satisfaction.  This  was  Elisha 
Hutchinson,  for  like  his  brother  Thomas,  he  was 
so  bitter  against  his  native  land,  that  it  had  little 
place  in  his  heart,  and  he  was  glad  to  get  away 
from  it.  Peggy  looked  upon  the  trip  as  a  vacation, 
in  which  to  enjoy  new  scenes,  and  see  new  faces. 
But  to  His  Excellency  and  Dorothy  this  journey 
meant  a  great  deal,  and  their  feelings  were  of  a 
deeper  and  more  serious  nature. 
The  Governor  had  much  on  his  mind,  for  he  had 
promised  himself  to  save  his  country  were  it  pos 
sible.  His  first  thought  was  directed  towards  this 
end,  and  he  was  constantly  in  his  cabin,  busy  with 
papers,  making  notes  and  memoranda.  Now  that 
he  was  so  near  his  destination  he  grew  impatient, 
and  was  in  haste  to  reach  London,  that  he  might 
present  the  petitions  he  had  with  him,  which  he 
intended  to  strengthen  as  much  as  possible  by  his 
[163]  own 


164      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

own  arguments  in  behalf  of  his  countrymen.  Af 
ter  this  was  done  he  would  have  ample  time  for 
rest  and  recreation. 

On  the  morning  following  their  arrival  they  started 
in  post-chaises  for  London,  by  the  way  of  Canter 
bury  and  Rochester,  reaching  their  lodgings  in  Par 
liament  Street  late  in  the  afternoon.  The  Govern 
or's  youngest  son,  Billy,  was  waiting  for  them, 
having  prepared  everything  for  their  reception. 
Dorothy  kept  a  brave  heart,  feeling  that  all  would 
turn  out  well  if  she  only  had  the  courage  to  wait 
patiently.  The  others  had  treated  her  with  the 
greatest  kindness,  cheering  her  with  their  en 
couraging  words,  and  the  Governor  had  prom 
ised  that  all  should  be  done  that  was  possible.  She 
was  much  changed,  for  she  had  suffered  almost 
more  than  she  could  bear.  That  David  would 
keep  up  his  courage  and  do  the  best  he  could,  she 
well  knew.  And  she  felt  sure  that  if  by  any  means 
he  was  able  to  return  to  Milton,  he  would  lose  no 
time  in  following  her  to  England,  and  she  would 
then  have  him  all  to  herself,  away  from  his  ene 
mies  and  persecutors. 

So  the  days  and  weeks  passed  on;  the  Governor 
had  interviews  with  George  III,  and  his  ministers, 
and  hopelessly  struggled  against  their  stubborn 
stupidity;  Dorothy  and  Peggy  were  much  togeth 
er,  save  when  the  latter's  father  required  her  com 
pany  at  some  rout  or  levee,  which  the  unfortunate 
man  was  obliged  to  attend,  though  with  much  re 
luctance.  But  he  could  not  offend  the  powers,  or 
his  last  hope  of  a  reconciliation  would  be  lost. 

It 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       165 

It  was  towards  the  end  of  August  that  the  Gov 
ernor,  beginning  to  despair  of  turning  the  King 
from  his  obstinate  course,  accepted  an  invitation 
to  Caxton  to  visit  Dr.  Murray,  whose  daughter 
had  been  a  passenger  on  the  Minerva  under  his 
care. 

"  I  shall  be  glad  of  a  little  fresh  air,"  he  said  to  the 
girls,  "  and  it  will  do  you  both  good.  We  will  go  in 
my  coach,which  will  be  much  better  than  a  hack 
ney.  Perhaps  a  little  quiet  thought  will  persuade 
His  Majesty  that  I  am  right,  and  that  his  minis 
ters  are  only  fanning  the  flame  of  rebellion.  But 
my  dear  people  will  know  that  I  have  done  what 
I  can  for  them,  whether  I  succeed  or  not." 
"You  have  done  all  you  can  at  present,  your  Ex 
cellency,"  said  Dorothy.  "And  I  thank  you  so  much 
for  what  you  have  done  in  David's  behalf.  Does 
Lord  Dartmouth  have  hopes  of  finding  him  and 
punishing  the  criminals?  You  remember  your 
promise  not  to  let  anyone  know  of  our  suspicions 
about  Charles,  for  I  cannot  break  my  mother's 
heart." 

"Were  it  advisable  I  should  mention  their  names. 
But  it  would  do  little  good.  They  do  as  they  please 
in  B  os ton  now,  and  the  law  has  little  terror  for  them. 
I  think  all  that  is  possible  will  be  done  by  Lord 
Dartmouth.  That  David  is  safe,  and  will  eventu 
ally  return  to  us,  I  am  sure.  Be  brave  and  patient, 
Dorothy  dear,  and  all  will  go  well." 
It  was  on  the  first  day  of  September  that  they  left 
Golden  Square,  where  they  were  now  living.  Pass 
ing  through  Effing  Forest,  by  the  way  of  Cam 
bridge,  they  reached  Norwich  on  the  third  day, 

arriving 


166      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

arriving  at  Dr.  Murray's  villa  at  Caxton  a  little 
later. 

Shortly  after  the  Governor  and  his  party  had 
passed  through  Norwich,  the  post-coach  from 
Yarmouth  stopped  before  the  Sign  of  the  Red  Lion, 
a  small  inn  within  the  historic  walls  of  the  town. 
There  were  perhaps  half  a  dozen  passengers,  most 
of  whom  were  merchants'  agents  coming  to  at 
tend  to  the  shipping  of  stuffs  manufactured  in  the 
old  town,  and  exported  to  all  parts  of  the  civil 
ized  world.  But  there  was  one,  however,  who  had 
come  for  another  purpose,  and  who  took  little  in 
terest  in  the  affairs  of  his  fellow-travellers. 
David  Whittemore  had  been  landed  a  few  days  be 
fore  at  a  little  fishing  village  near  Yarmouth,  and 
was  on  his  way  to  London  to  seek  the  Governor 
and  Dorothy. 

Before  his  unexpected  trip  on  the  Dreadnaught, 
his  knowledge  of  the  world  had  been  confined  to 
the  vicinity  of  Boston.  Since  that  May  day,  how 
ever,  he  had  travelled  far,  and  now  he  was  in  that 
old  England  of  which  he  had  heard  so  much.  The 
country  about  him  was  low  and  swampy,  with  long 
stretches  of  marshes  threaded  by  little  tortuous 
streams,  and  dotted  with  numberless  lagoons.  He 
thought  the  scene  not  unlike  that  from  the  Ne- 
ponset  River,  though  of  much  vaster  dimensions, 
and  with  no  background  save  the  rolling  downs. 
After  a  wearisome  walk  he  entered  the  town,  and 
the  following  morning  took  the  coach  for  Nor 
wich.  Everything  was  strange  and  interested  him 
deeply.  The  maritime  town  of  Yarmouth  with  its 
wharves,  shipping,  and  houses  of  pebbles  laid  in 

mortar; 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       167 

mortar;  the  little  fishing  vessels,  manned  by  short, 
thickset,  honest-faced  sons  of  the  ocean;  the  barges 
coming  and  going  on  the  river;  all  these  things 
were  pleasant  to  him,  for  they  were  the  signs  of 
peaceful  industry,  and  he  thought  what  a  happy 
land  it  seemed,  free  from  strife  and  worry.  When 
the  coach  passed  through  the  gate,  and  entered  the 
narrow  street  of  Norwich,  he  breathed  more  free 
ly,  for  he  felt  that  now  he  was  truly  his  own  master 
once  more. 

The  quaint  oldRedLion  was  a  quiet  inn,frequented 
for  the  most  part  by  commercial  travellers.  He 
secured  a  room,  and  having  dined,  went  out  and 
after  purchasing  a  travelling  outfit,  strolled  about. 
In  1 774  Norwich  was  a  large  and  busy  town,  and 
its  forty  thousand  souls  were  industrious  and  con 
tented.  Its  manufactures  were  many,  and  its  com 
merce  large  and  prosperous.  But  it  had  little  or 
no  trade  with  the  American  Colonies,  and  was 
therefore  unaffected  by  the  state  of  affairs  there. 
One  of  the  most  ancient  towns  in  England,  it  re 
tained  the  imprint  of  its  many  masters,  and  the 
outlook  over  the  heaths,  fields,  farms  and  villages, 
ruined  castles  and  modern  mansions,  and  the  riv 
ers  Tare  and  Wensum  winding  towards  the  sea, 
was  exceedingly  beautiful.  But  David  *s  heart  grew 
heavy  as  he  contrasted  this  peaceful  town  with  his 
own  dear  Boston,  and  with  a  feeling  of  sadness  he 
returned  to  the  inn,  and  retired  to  his  room. 


CHAPTER 


Wherein    Mr. 
Whittemore 
finds  Enemies  near  at  band. 

WHEN  David  was  captured,  he  had 
a  sum  of  money  in  his  pouch,  for 
tunately  mostly  in  good  coin.  He 
figured  that  it  would  carry  him  to 
London  and  perhaps  last  for  a  short  time  after  his 
arrival  there,  but  he  would  have  to  be  very  spar 
ing  of  it.  Captain  Peasely  had  offered  to  supply 
him  with  all  he  needed,  but  he  could  not  bring 
himself  to  accept  money  from  him.  It  was  agreed, 
however,  that  the  brig  should  be,  on  the  first  of 
October,  off  where  he  had  landed,  and  remain 
there  for  one  week  in  case  he  should  wish  to  re 
turn  to  America. 

He  had  been  occupied,  after  entering  his  room, 
in  examining  his  new  purchases,  and  counting  his 
remaining  funds,  when  his  attention  was  attracted 
by  a  voice  in  the  corridor  passing  his  door.  The 
next  moment  he  heard  someone  enter  the  room 
adjoining  his,  and  then  all  was  quiet. 
He  had  not  caught  more  than  half  a  dozen  words, 
but  he  was  sure  that  the  voice  was  a  familiar  one, 
and  it  made  a  great  impression  on  him. 
"I  am  a  little  excited  after  all  my  recent  experi 
ences,"  he  said,  half  aloud.  "There  was  certain 
ly  something  that  reminded  me  of  Charles  Dod- 
dridge  in  that  voice,  and  yet  it  is  impossible.  I'll 
try  to  hear  it  again  just  to  satisfy  myself  that  my 
nerves  are  overwrought." 

[168]  Rising 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      169 

Rising  quietly  he  walked  over  to  the  wall  sepa 
rating  him  from  the  adjoining  room  and  listened, 
but  could  hear  nothing.  Returning  to  his  chair 
he  put  the  matter  out  of  his  mind,  and  began  his 
preparations  for  his  departure  for  London  on  the 
following  morning. 

A  few  moments  later  there  was  a  rap  on  the  door, 
and  the  landlord  entered.  He  was  just  like  a  hun 
dred  other  men  David  had  seen  in  the  streets  in 
the  afternoon;  short,  thick  and  ruddy. 
"Did  you  drop  this?"  he  said,  holding  towards 
him  a  pouch  of  leather.  "It  was  found  near  where 
the  coach  stops,  but  we  don't  know  whether  it 
was  you  who  lost  it,  or  one  of  the  gentlemen  who 
came  down  from  London.''' 
"Let  me  see  it,"  said  David  holding  out  his  hand. 
The  man  hesitated  but  gave  it  to  him. 
"No,  it  is  not  mine.  It  must  belong  to  one  of  the 
other  gentlemen." 

"They  are  in  the  room  next  to  yours,  Sir.  I  will 
go  to  them  and  ask  if  the  pouch  be  theirs." 
"  Wait.  Did  you  say  they  were  in  the  next  room? 
What  are  they  like  ?  Do  you  think  they  are  Amer 
icans?" 

"I  can't  say,  Sir." 

"When  do  they  leave?"  asked  David,  the  recol 
lection  of  the  voice  he  had  heard  beginning  to 
trouble  him. 

"They  stay  the  night,  but  further  than  that  I  don't 
know.  They  remain  in  their  room  most  of  the  time, 
and  they  sup  there  to-night." 
"I  will  sup  in  my  room  also.  Perhaps  I  may  have 
a  chance  to  see  them  later." 

After 


170      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

After  the  man  had  gone,  David  thought,  "I'll 
watch,  and  if  they  go  out,  I'll  follow  them  and 
satisfy  myself." 

At  about  ten  o'clock  he  heard  the  door  of  the  ad 
joining  room  open,  and  then  footsteps  in  the  pas 
sageway.  He  opened  his  door  a  crack  and  peeped 
out.  As  he  did  so  the  forms  of  Ezra  Jaquith  and 
Charles  Doddridge  passed  before  him,  and  went 
down  the  stairway.  His  window  overlooked  the 
street.  Rushing  to  it  he  saw  the  two  young  men 
go  out. 

"  What  does  this  mean  ? "  thought  David.  "  I  have 
been  through  many  strange  experiences  during 
the  past  few  months,  but  nothing  equal  to  this. 
Either  these  men  are  Charles  and  Ezra,  or  I  am 
losing  my  mind.  They  must  be  here  for  a  purpose, 
and  it  must  be  to  find  Dorothy,  for  they  can't  possi 
bly  know  of  my  presence  here.  I'll  follow  them." 
Wrapping  his  cloak  about  him  he  stole  out  and 
he  could  distinctly  see  the  two  figures  ahead  of 
him.  Passing  in  the  shadow  of  the  houses  along 
the  narrow  winding  streets,  the  two  men  went 
through  St.  Ethelbertgzte.  Then  skirting  the  close 
of  the  Norman  cathedral,  whose  lofty  spire  stood 
out  boldly  in  the  moonlight  against  the  autumn 
sky,  they  mounted  the  walls,  and  soon  were  lost 
in  the  shadow  of  the  adjoining  tower. 
David  had  taken  a  pistol  and  sword  from  the  brig, 
so  felt  that  he  could  defend  himself  if  necessary, 
but  he  had  no  desire  to  provoke  an  attack.  He 
crept  along,  still  keeping  in  the  shadow  of  the 
walls,  until  on  reaching  the  base  of  the  tower  he 
crouched  down  and  listened. 

The 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       171 

The  men  had  stopped  on  the  opposite  side,  and 
were  now  engaged  in  earnest  conversation,  every 
word  of  which  David  could  hear. 
"Where  did  you  say  they  were? "  said  Charles,  in 
a  sad  voice. 

"They  are  with  a  Dr.  Murray,  whose  daughter 
came  with  them  on  the  Minerva.  I  learnt  this  in 
London.  The  house  is  about  two  miles  from  the 
town,  but  in  what  direction  I  don't  know." 
"We'll  go  there  to-morrow.  She'll  not  refuse  to 
see  me  when  she  hears  her  poor  mother's  dying 
words  of  forgiveness,  and  her  request  that  I  should 
find  her  and  bring  her  back." 
"We'll  do  nothing  of  the  sort,"  answered  Ezra 
with  irritation.  "We  will  go  to-night,  and  take 
her  by  force  if  necessary.  I  am  tired  of  your  hesi 
tating  ways,  Charles.  Do  you  really  suppose  she 
would  come  with  us?  You  don't  know  your  sis 
ter  as  well  as  I  do." 

"You  have  persuaded  me  to  do  one  act  of  this  kind 
of  which  I  sorely  repent,"  said  Charles  sternly, 
"But  your  head  was  turned  then  as  well  as  now. 
What  you  propose  is  not  only  wrong  but  imprac 
ticable.  We  will  return  to  the  inn,  and  in  the  morn 
ing  when  you  are  less  excited  you'll  see  that  I  am 
right." 

"If  you  will  not  go  with  me,  I'll  go  alone.  I  don't 
intend  to  be  put  off  longer." 
"You  will  come  back  to  the  inn  with  me,  Ezra. 
We'll  talk  the  matter  over  quietly  in  our  room. 
No  one  can  hear  us  there.  I  will  not  allow  you  to 
go  to-night,  so  don't  attempt  to  do  so." 
"  Then  it  will  be  to-morrow  night, "answered  Ez 
ra 


172     The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

ra  angrily.  "I  will  wait  until  then,  but  not  later. 
I  agree  to  this  because  it  is  perhaps  better  to  se 
cure  more  information  before  acting.  But  to-mor 
row  night  it  shall  be." 

"Come,"  said  Charles,  "the  gates  close  at  eleven 
o'clock.  Hurry,  or  we'll  have  difficulty  in  getting 
back." 

David  waited  for  them  to  pass,  and  then  followed 
again.  The  moon  was  now  behind  a  cloud,  and  he 
was  obliged  to  pick  his  way  carefully,  but  when 
once  in  the  streets  of  the  town  he  had  no  trouble 
in  keeping  them  in  sight.  Waiting  outside  until 
he  saw  a  light  in  their  window,  he  entered  the  inn 
and  before  going  to  his  room,  said  to  the  landlord, 
"Can  you  tell  me  where  a  Dr.  Murray  lives  with 
in  about  two  miles  from  here?" 
"At  Caxton,  Sir.  By  enquiring  on  leaving  the  town 
you  cannot  miss  it.  They  tell  me  that  the  late  Gov 
ernor  of  one  of  those  infernal  Colonies  is  there." 
"Call  me  at  sunrise  to-morrow,"  said  David,  and 
went  to  bed. 


CHAPTER 


EARLY  the  following  morning  David 
quitted  the  Sign  of  the  Red  Lion  and 
passed  out  of  the  'Thorp  Gate,  towards 
Ketf  s  Castle.  He  knew  that  it  would  be 
useless  to  seek  Caxton  at  that  hour,  and  felt  that  a 
walk  about  the  fields  and  over  the  downs  would 
put  his  nerves  in  better  condition  for  the  ordeal 
of  his  meeting  with  Dorothy.  In  the  early  sunlight 
the  thirty  spires  of  Norwich  presented  a  lovely 
picture,  and  the  Jong  stretches  of  meadow  and 
heath,  with  their  winding  streams  and  their  farms 
dotted  here  and  there,  were  peculiarly  picturesque 
streaked  by  morning  shadows. 
Seeing  a  somewhat  thickly  settled  spot  a  few  miles 
distant,  David  concluded  that  it  must  be  the  place 
he  sought,  and  descending  the  hill  started  towards 
it.  In  less  than  an  hour  he  found  himself  in  a 
small  village  shaded  by  green  trees. 
There  was  nothing  to  remind  him  of  New  Eng 
land,  and  he  was  not  sorry  to  forget  that  land  of 
trouble  and  turmoil  for  a  time,  and  to  wander  mid 
strange  surroundings,  his  own  master.  It  was  a 
Providence  that  had  stopped  his  going  to  London, 
and  it  made  him  shudder  to  think  what  would  hap 
pen  if  he  did  not  prevent  it.  It  was  probable  that 
Charles  would  restrain  his  companion  so  far  as  it 
lay  in  his  power  to  do  so,  but  Jaquith  was  a  villain 
in  David's  estimation,  and  he  was  happy  to  know 
that  he  could  forestall  him.  For  once  good  fortune 
[173]  seemed 


174      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

seemed  to  favour  him,  and  it  was  with  a  light  heart 
that  he  accosted  a  man,  evidently  an  artisan,  and 
enquired  the  way  to  Dr.  Murray's  villa. 
It  was  not  far  from  eight  o'clock  when  he  entered 
a  long  avenue  of  overhanging  trees.  As  he  did  so 
a  feeling  of  terror  seized  him.  His  pent-up  excite 
ment  was  beginning  to  tell  on  him,  and  a  dread  of 
meeting  Dorothy  and  the  Governor  took  posses 
sion  of  him.  But  before  he  had  gone  many  steps  he 
had  recovered  his  self-possession,  and  looked  about 
him.  Surrounded  by  shrubs,  and  backed  by  an  old 
garden,  he  saw  the  front  of  a  brick  mansion.  He 
hesitated  a  moment ;  then  with  a  firm  step  went 
up  to  the  door,  and  with  a  trembling  hand  shook 
the  knocker. 

"Tell  His  Excellency,  Governor  Hutchinson,  that 
Mr.  David  Whittemore  would  like  to  speak  with 
him,"  he  said  to  the  servant  who  opened  the  door. 
The  man  bowed,  showed  him  to  the  drawing- 
room,  and  retired. 

The  Governor  was  always  an  early  riser,  and  T)a- 
viddld  not  have  to  wait  long  before  he  heard  a  well 
known  step  in  the  hall,  coming  rapidly  towards 
him.  The  next  moment  both  his  hands  were 
grasped,  and  for  some  time  neither  was  able  to 
speak. 

"David,"  said  the  Governor  at  last,  "this  is  indeed 
a  happy  moment  for  me.  I  have  had  no  real  anxiety 
about  you,  for  I  knew  that  you  had  set  sail  for  some 
where  on  JaquitK s  brig,  and  I  was  sure  that  it  was 
only  some  prank  of  those  hot-headed  young  pa 
triots,  and  that  you  would  turn  up  safe  and  sound. 
I  have  done  all  in  my  power  to  have  the  matter  sift 
ed, 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       175 

ed,  but  so  far  without  success.  But  how  are  you  ? 
Tell  me  of  your  travels  and  experiences.  What 
a  happy  day  this  will  be  for  Dorothy.  She  is  with 
me  and  is  well,"  continued  he,  reading  David's 
thoughts.  "  I  have  not  told  her  of  your  being  here, 
but  I  have  told  Peggy,  and  she  will  prepare  Doro 
thy  to  see  you." 

For  nearly  an  hour  David  sat  by  the  Governor  and 
told  him  his  story.  The  latter's  face  grew  stern  and 
angry  as  he  said  with  warmth,  "  This  is  really  more 
serious  than  I  thought.  These  fellows  must  be 
brought  to  justice.  You  say  they'll  be  here  to-day 
in  search  of  Dorothy?  Can  they  expect  that  I  will 
give  her  into  their  murderous  hands?  No,  David, 
it  is  impossible." 

"Your  Excellency,"  said  David  gently, "  I  believe 
that  Charles  is  honest  and  sincere  in  his  beliefs.  I 
feel  sure  that  his  head  was  turned,  and  that  he  re 
pents  having  raised  his  hand  against  me.  He  is  real 
ly  patriotic,  believing  that  our  country  has  suffered 
unjustly,  as  I  believe,  and  you  believe,  your  Excel 
lency.  I  should  have  agreed  with  him  in  all  his  views 
had  not  the  Sons  of  Liberty  gone  too  far.  But  he  is 
now  broken-hearted,  and  we  must  spare  him,  but 
punish  the  other,  who  is  a  black-hearted  villain. 
He  planned  the  plot  against  me  because  I  was  Dor 
othy's  accepted  suitor;  not  because  I  was  a  loyalist 
and  a  friend  of  your  Excellency.  He  has  come  here 
for  his  own  selfish  ends,  while  Charles  has  come  to 
implore  his  sister  to  return  home.  Don't  you  see 
a  difference?" 

"I  do,  indeed!  Poor  girl,  how  she  has  suffered!" 
He  was  silent  a  moment,  and  then  added,  "I  love 

New 


176      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

New  England  and  its  people,  and  have  tried  to 
help  them  since  I  have  been  here,  but  it  has  availed 
little.  Yet  I  still  hope  that  everything  will  be  ar 
ranged  before  I  go  back  to  Milton.'1'' 
Of  the  meeting  of  David  and  Dorothy  little  need 
be  said.  After  the  first  happy  moments  he  told  her 
his  story,  which  she  heard  with  horror.  Then  she 
gave  him  an  account  of  her  leaving  Milton  and  of 
her  life  in  England. 

"I  don't  like  it  here,"  she  said,  "  and  I've  had  many 
sad,  weary  hours.  His  Excellency  and  Peggy  are 
most  kind  and  sympathetic,  but  they  are  much  oc 
cupied  with  business  and  social  duties.  Howev 
er,"  she  added,  "being  alone  has  not  been  unwel 
come  to  me,  for  I  have  been  too  preoccupied  to  af 
ford  much  entertainment  to  others,  though  I  have 
tried  to  repay  them  by  a  cheerful  manner.  But  it 
has  all  been  very,  very  hard  for  me.  Now,  dearest, 
I  have  you  back  again  and  I  am  happy." 
"And  you  must  forgive  Charles,  as  I  do,"  said  Da 
vid,  taking  her  hand.  "He  has  suffered  so  much, 
and  will  be  so  alone  without  your  poor  mother." 
" I  will  forgive  him  since  you  do.  Dear  mother!  I 
suppose  she  did  what  she  thought  was  right,  God 
bless  her !  "And  Dorothy  wept  bitterly  for  the  first 
time  since  she  had  left  her  mother's  house. 
After  breakfast  they  started  for  Wells,  on  the 
North  coast  of  Norfolk,  the  Governor  having  re 
quested  Dr.  Murray  that,  if  two  young  men  should 
enquire  for  them,  they  should  be  told  that  they  had 
returned  to  London.  It  was  agreed  between  them 
that  on  their  arrival  Charles  should  be  sought  out 
and  forgiven,  and  that  Ezra  should  be  handed 
over  to  justice  as  soon  as  possible. 

They 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       177 

They  reached  the  Governor's  house  in  Golden 
Square  in  safety,  and  the  lovers  seemed  to  see  the 
dawning  of  a  brighter  day  as  they  recalled  the 
pleasant  hours  in  the  beautiful  garden  in  Milton. 


CHAPTER 


1 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

new  friend, 

COWARDS  the  end  of  July  Ezra  Ja- 
quith  had  arrived  in  London,  from 
America.  He  had  made  several  at 
tempts  to  get  an  interview  with  Dor 
othy,  and  had  written  the  Governor  begging  that 
he  might  visit  them,  but  had  been  repulsed  in 
every  effort.  Towards  the  end  of  August  he  re 
ceived  a  letter  from  Charles  Doddridge  announc 
ing  his  mother's  sudden  death,  and  his  intention 
of  sailing  at  once  for  England'm  search  of  Dorothy. 
He  had  also  written  to  his  sister,  so  she  knew  the 
sad  news  before  she  saw  David,  and  her  heart  was 
sore,  for  in  spite  of  all  she  loved  her  mother. 
Charles  reached  London  some  days  after  Govern 
or  Hutchinson  and  the  young  ladies  had  left  for 
Norwich,  of  which  fact  Ezra  had  been  informed. 
They  decided  to  follow  them,  and  entreat  Doro 
thy  to  forget  all  disagreements  and  return  to  Bos 
ton  with  them. 

At  first  Ezra  appeared  reasonable  and  willing  to 
yield  to  Charles's  better  j  udgment,  but  after  reach 
ing  Norwich  the  latter  noticed  something  strange 
in  his  companion's  manner.  He  had  always  looked 
upon  Jaquith  as  an  honest,  well-meaning  man, 
and  though  somewhat  violent,  a  true  patriot,  and 
a  fit  companion  for  his  sister.  But  now  Ezra  threw 
aside  his  mask,  and  showed  his  true  character. 
Charles  had  long  since  repented  the  part  he  had 
taken  in  David's  kidnapping,  although  he  had 
[178]  thought 


"The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       179 

thought  the  act  itself  just  and  proper  at  the  time. 
But  he  did  not  know  until  they  reached  Norwich 
that  Ezras  real  motive  was  revenge,  and  not  the 
interests  of  his  country. 

When  the  coach  stopped  before  the  Sign  of  the  Red 
Lion,  their  minds  were  filled  with  far  differing 
thoughts.  Charles  was  looking  forward  to  find 
ing  Dorothy  with  a  heart  full  of  brotherly  affection, 
for  he  had  no  doubt  that  she  and  her  friends  would 
receive  him  kindly  and  forgive  him  when  all  was 
explained. 

Ezra,  on  the  other  hand,  was  sullen  and  seemed 
excited,  which  fact  attracted  Charles's  attention. 
When  they  had  reached  their  room,  he  began  pac 
ing  it  impatiently,  and  finally  stopping  before  his 
friend,  he  said,  "  Charles,  we  have  come  down  here 
to  get  your  sister  away  from  those  people.  How  do 
you  intend  to  accomplish  it?" 
"I  have  told  you  that  they  will  not  refuse  to  see  me 
when  I  explain  everything.  Why  do  you  ask  me 
this  question?  And  why  in  this  manner?  I  don't 
like  it." 

"Because  I  think  you  don't  know  what  you  are 
doing,"  answered  Ezra  quickly.  "It  may  be  all 
right  for  you,  but  I  have  come  here  to  get  her  for 
myself,  and  I  intend  to  do  it." 
"You  are  excited,  Ezra.  You  will  feel  differently 
by  to-morrow, after  a  little  rest  and  quiet  thought. 
My  plan  is  the  best,  and  the  only  one  I'll  sanction." 
Ezra  did  not  answer,  but  began  pacing  the  room 
again. 

"Come,"  said  Charles,  "we  have  ordered  dinner. 
Let's  eat  it  quietly  and  then  talk  matters  over." 

Later, 


180     The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Later,  after  their  return  from  the  walls  of  the 
town,  where  they  had  been  overheard  by  David 
Whittemore,  Ezrawzsin  a  yet  more  sombre  mood. 
He  had  made  up  his  mind  to  get  possession  of  Dor 
othy  by  fair  means  or  foul,  and  would  now  stop  at 
nothing. 

The  room  they  occupied  was  a  large  one  with  two 
windows  overlooking  the  street,  and  two  beds, 
one  at  each  side.  Ezras  was  that  nearest  the  door. 
"I  will  sit  up  a  little  while  longer,"  said  he,  in  a 
somewhat  more  cheerful  tone.  "You  are  right.  I 
am  over-excited,  and  have  spoken  foolishly.  I  shall 
feel  better  in  the  morning." 
The  night  was  clear,  and  the  moon  still  shining. 
When  he  was  satisfied  that  Charles  was  asleep  he 
put  out  the  light,  and  after  a  few  moments  threw 
himself  heavily  on  his  bed.  Listening,  and  hearing 
no  sound  from  the  other  side  of  the  room,  he  arose 
quietly,  and  taking  possession  of  the  few  effects 
he  had  with  him,  stole  out  through  the  door  and 
into  the  street. 

The  town  seemed  deserted,  and  the  sound  of  his 
own  footsteps  made  him  start  as  he  went  along  in 
the  shadow  of  the  buildings.  Creeping  to  the  wall 
where  it  seemed  to  be  low,  he  let  himself  down  and 
took  the  nearest  path,  not  knowing  where  it  might 
lead. 

It  would  have  been  wiser  for  him  to  have  taken 
Charles's  advice  and  to  have  waited  until  morn 
ing.  But  brooking  no  control,  and  mad  with  love 
and  the  desire  for  revenge,  he  had  formed  a  plan 
in  his  excited  brain  to  seek  Caxfon,  and  by  some 
means  obtain  access  to  Dorothy,  and  abduct  her. 

As 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      181 

As  it  was,  however,  he  lost  his  way,  and  when  the 
sun  arose  over  the  Tare  he  could  see  the  spires  of 
Norwich  many  miles  to  the  eastward. 
"Damnation  and  fiends!"  he  said,  stamping  his 
foot.  "I've  gone  astray,  and  if  I'm  not  careful 
Charles  will  be  there  ahead  of  me,  and  my  last 
chance  will  be  gone.  I  must  enquire  the  way  as 
soon  as  I  see  any  one." 

Shortly  after,  he  met  a  man  crossing  the  fields, 
who  told  him  that  Caxton  was  about  twelve  miles 
distant  at  the  other  side  of  Norwich. 
With  another  oath,  he  started  forward,  but  it  was 
noon  when  he  reached  Dr.  Murray's,  dusty  and 
footsore. 

"They  have  gone  to  London,  Sir,"  said  the  man, 
eyeing  him  with  suspicion. 
"Has  anyone  been  here  since  they  went?"  he 
asked.  "Yes,  Sir.  There  was  a  tall  young  gentle 
man  who  returned  to  Norwich  on  learning  they 
were  not  here." 

Ezra  was  now  in  a  rage,  and  walked  away,  mutter 
ing  to  himself.  "What  a  fool  I  was  to  leave  Charles, 
and  not  learn  the  way  here  before  attempting  it 
at  night.  I  can't  go  back  to  Norwich,  for  he  must 
suspect  my  reasons  for  leaving  him  so  suddenly." 
So  being  directed  to  a  small  inn,  he  made  arrange 
ments  for  a  post-chaise  in  which  to  be  driven  to 
Newmarket,  where  he  arrived  late  in  the  evening. 
The  principal  street  of  the  town,  a  poor  way,  was 
nearly  deserted,  save  for  two  or  three  half-drunk 
en  stable-boys  who  had  been  making  merry  at  one 
of  the  small  taverns.  It  was  to  one  of  these  that 
Ezra  went,  for  he  thought  there  was  a  possibility 

of 


1 82       'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

of  being  seen  elsewhere,  although  it  was  not  prob 
able  that  either  the  Governor  or  Charles  would 
spend  the  night  in  such  a  place. 
It  was  more  than  a  month  to  the  Autumn  racing 
season,  but  the  town  already  held  many  horses  with 
their  trainers  and  backers.  As  Jaqutth  entered  the 
tavern,  he  saw  seated  at  a  low  table  in  the  corner 
half  a  dozen  shabby,  dirty-looking  men,  playing 
cards,  swearing,  drinking,  and  smoking,  who  cast 
side-long  glances  at  him  as  he  passed  the  door. 
It  cannot  be  said  that  he  was  attracted  by  these 
men,  though  in  his  state  of  mind  they  had  a  cer 
tain  fascination  for  him;  so  having  secured  a  rocm, 
he  returned  and  ordered  ale  and  something  to  eat. 
The  men  continued  quietly  playing  until  he  had 
nearly  finished  his  meal,  when  one  of  them  strik 
ing  the  table  shouted  in  a  hoarse  voice,  "That's 
my  money,  Jim.  Hand  it  back  to  me." 
"You  lie!"  said  the  man  addressed.  "I  won  the 
last  throw,  and  that  was  to  settle  it.  None  of  your 
London  ways  here.  We've  lived  too  long  by  the 
Race  Course  not  to  see  through  these  things.  The 
money  is  mine,  and  I'll  keep  it." 
Jaquith  began  to  think  he  was  going  to  have  some 
diversion,  when  he  was  startled  by  the  sound  of 
a  heavy  blow,  and  the  next  moment  the  Londoner 
was  on  his  back  on  the  floor  with  the  rest  on  top  of 
him.  Before  Ezra  could  collect  himself  the  men 
had  disappeared  through  the  door,  leaving  him 
alone  with  the  prostrate  form. 
"What's  this?"  cried  the  tavern-keeper  rushing 
in.  "Are  those  rascals  up  to  their  old  tricks?  I 
have  told  them,  Sir,  that  I  won't  have  my  tavern 
used  for  such  purposes." 

"Is 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       183 

"Is  he  much  hurt,  do  you  think?"  asked  Ezra, 
hearing  the  man  groan. 

"Only  stunned,  Sir.  He  is  a  stranger  to  me  and 
arrived  early  in  the  evening.  I  believe  they've 
robbed  him  of  everything." 
"He  seems  a  decent-looking  fellow,"  said  Ezra, 
"Has  he  a  room  here?" 

"No,  he  came  in  and  supped,  and  meeting  these 
fellows  entered  into  a  game  with  them.  I  will  put 
him  on  a  bed  in  one  of  the  rooms,  and  he  will  no 
doubt  be  well  in  the  morning." 
"Put  him  in  my  room,  for  I  care  little  for  sleep 
to-night  and  will  willingly  give  him  some  atten.- 
tion." 

The  man  had  by  this  time  somewhat  recovered, 
and  was  attempting  to  raise  himself  on  his  elbow. 
As  he  did  so  Ezra  noticed  his  face.  It  was  that 
of  a  man  of  about  thirty  years  of  age,  with  a  heavy 
black  moustache,  black  eyes,  thick  black  eyebrows 
and  hair.  It  was  intelligent  though  brutal.  When 
he  had  been  laid  on  the  bed,  he  again  relapsed  in 
to  a  stupor,  and  soon  began  muttering,  "Saddle 
Ben,  and  let's  be  off.  The  coach  leaves  at  seven. 
Damn  it,  Jerry,  we  can  stop  'em.  Ten  thousand 
pounds.  Hurry!  Hurry!" 

"Ha,  ha,"  said  Ezra  to  himself,  "I  thought  as 
much.  This  will  be  a  better  ally  than  Charles  Dod- 
dridge." 

The  man  had  slept  quietly  for  over  two  hours, 
when  Ezra  noticed  that  he  moved  slightly. 
"Where  am  I  ? "  said  he,  suddenly  raising  his  head 
and  looking  about  him.  "Where  are  those  black 
guards?  Let  me  get  hold  of  'em." 

"The 


184      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"The  rascals  have  gone,"  said  Jaquith.  "They 
ran  as  soon  as  they  saw  me  draw  my  pistol,  for 
I  was  determined  to  protect  you,  seeing  that  you 
had  been  cheated  and  robbed.  How  are  you  now? " 
"My  head  aches  badly,"  answered  the  man  in  a 
deep  bass  voice,  "but  I  shall  be  all  right  soon. 
Now  I  seem  to  remember  you.  You're  the  gen 
tleman  who  arrived  just  before  I  was  attacked. 
Give  me  a  drink,  if  you  please." 
Ezra  put  a  little  spirits  into  a  tumbler  of  water  and 
handed  it  to  him. 

"I  came  here  on  business,"  continued  the  man, 
"and  was  fool  enough  to  trust  those  fellows.  I 
wanted  a  horse,  for  mine  was  recently  killed.  New 
market 'is  a  great  place  for  horses  and  cutthroats." 
"It  seems  so,"  answered  Jaquith,  "and  I  am  glad 
for  your  sake  that  I  arrived  so  opportunely.  When 
do  you  leave  here?" 

"  To-morrow,  early.  I've  had  enough  of  the  place, 
and  my  horse  is  in  the  stable.  Damnation ! "  he  ex 
claimed,  putting  his  hand  to  his  pocket,  "they 
have  robbed  me  of  everything.  But  never  mind. 
I  have  always  managed  to  get  along  in  some  way, 
and  shall  not  fail  this  time." 
"  If  you  are  going  to  London,  let  me  accompany 
you.  My  purse  shall  be  at  your  disposal,  and  you 
can  show  me  the  way,  for  I  am  a  stranger,  and  I 
might  go  astray.  I  can  easily  purchase  a  horse  here, 
can't  I?" 

"The  landlord  has  one  for  sale  which  is  fairly 
good,"  answered  his  companion.  "It  will  be  all 
you'll  need  till  you  reach  London" 

"Now 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       185 

"Now  take  a  little  rest,  and  I'll  do  the  same," 
said  Ezra.  "I'll  awaken  you  early,  and  if  you're 
able  we'll  start  directly  after  breakfast." 
The  next  morning  they  were  off  for  London  while 
most  of  the  inhabitants  were  yet  asleep,  Jaquith, 
more  excited  than  ever,  not  having  closed  his 
eyes. 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


Old  Friends 


better  than  New. 


WHEN  he  had  awakened,  and  found 
that  Ezra  was  not  in  the  room, 
Charles  supposed  that  he  had  been 
restless  and  had  gone  out  for  the 
morning  air.  But  as  the  time  for  breakfast  drew 
near,  and  he  noticed  that  his  companion's  effects 
had  all  disappeared,  the  truth  dawned  on  him. 
Ordering  a  chaise  he  was  driven  to  Caxton,  only 
to  find  that  the  Governor  had  left,  and  that  Ezra 
had  not  been  there.  Now  suspecting  that  Jaquith 
had  followed  Dorothy  with  evil  intent,  he  set  out 
as  soon  as  he  possibly  could  for  London. 
There  were  many  ways  of  making  the  journey, 
and  most  of  the  post-roads  leading  to  the  great 
city  were  well  built,  and  kept  in  good  condition. 
The  shortest,  however,  was  through  'The t ford  and 
Newmarket.  The  coach  in  which  Charles  Dod- 
dridge  was,  took  this  road,  and  it  dropped  him  late 
on  the  second  day  at  the  White  Horse  Inn,  in  Fet 
ter  Lane. 

The  Governor  and  his  party  had  meanwhile  also 
reached  London  in  safety,  and  descended  in  Gold 
en  Square. 

A  day  or  so  later,  David,  thinking  little  of  his  past 
trials,  walked  down  the  great  thoroughfare  by 
Bishopsgate,  and  over  London  Bridge.  Returning 
by  Blackfriars  he  crossed  the  beautiful  new  struc 
ture,  sometimes  called  Pitfs  Bridge,  built  by  Rob 
ert  Mylne  but  a  few  years  before,  and  which  gave 
[186]  him 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      187 

him  a  resting-place  by  Sir  Christopher  Wren  in 
St.  Paul's.  David  had  just  reached  the  end  when 
a  chaise  was  driven  rapidly  by  him,  and  in  it  he 
recognized  Charles,  who,  however,  did  not  see 
him. 

He  was  quite  sure  that  there  was  no  other  occu 
pant,  and  immediately  started  in  pursuit  over  Lud- 
gate  Hill,  when  the  chaise  turned  into  Fleet  Street 
and  he  lost  sight  of  it.  Still  he  kept  on,  and  was 
soon  rewarded  by  seeing  it  turn  into  Fetter  Lane 
and  stop  at  the  White  Horse  Inn,  at  this  time  one 
of  the  principal  coaching  stations  of  the  metropo 
lis.  Before  Whittemore  reached  the  toorDoddridge 
had  disappeared  into  the  inn,  whither  David  fol 
lowed  him.  He  found  himself  in  a  long  and  low 
room,  subdivided  by  high  settees,  and  with  a 
carved  oak  chimney-piece  opposite  the  door.  As 
he  entered,  a  stout,  middle-aged  man  approached 
him,  and  asked  if  he  wished  to  be  lodged.  He  an 
swered  that  he  was  looking  for  a  friend,  and  tak 
ing  a  card  he  wrote  upon  it,  "Come  alone,"  and 
requested  that  it  should  be  given  to  Mr.  Charles 
Doddridge. 

In  a  few  moments  a  pale  man  stood  before  him, 
looking  like  one  dazed.  He  did  not  speak,  but 
stared  at  David  in  a  perplexed  and  enquiring  man 
ner. 

"Get  into  the  carriage  with  me,  Charles.  Doro 
thy  wishes  to  speak  with  you.  She  is  in  London 
with  His  Excellency." 

"Give  me  time  to  breathe,"  answered  Charles. 
"You!  How  came  you  here?  I  will  go  with  you 
gladly,  for  I  intended  looking  Dorothy  up  to 
day.  But  you!  What  does  it  mean?" 

"  Charles, 


i88      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

" Charles"  began  David,  after  the  carriage  had 
started,  "listen  to  me.  I've  followed  you  to  say 
that  I  forgive  you  for  the  part  you  took  on  that 
May  night,  when  Ezra  Jaquith  sent  me  to  a  lone 
ly  island  to  die.  You  remember  the  night  at  Ca 
leb  White  s  tavern  when  you  suggested  fright 
ening  the  Governor  in  his  Milton  house?  I  ad 
vised  you  against  it,  and  all  other  acts  of  violence, 
but  you  did  not  heed  me,  and  with  Ezra  and  that 
miserable  Indian,  would  have  done  much  mischief 
to  the  Governor,  and  yourself  as  well,  had  not 
your  sister  warned  His  Excellency  in  time.  After 
that  failure  you  were  more  hot-headed  than  be 
fore,  and  joined  with  Jaquith,  in  the  name  of  lib 
erty,  to  insult  me,  and  provoke  me  to  a  challenge. 
Your  sister  saved  you  then.  But  she  could  not 
prevent  what  happened  on  my  return  from  Mid 
dle  b  or  d* .  You  still  listened  to  Jaquith,  who  was 
poisoning  you  against  me  because  he  loved  your 
sister  and  saw  in  me  a  rival.  But  you  are  deceived 
in  him,  Charles.  He  is  not  a  patriot;  he  cares  noth 
ing  for  the  welfare  of  the  province.  He  thinks 
but  of  his  own  selfish  ends  and  has  made  you  his 
tool.  I  think  you  are  at  heart  sincere  and  honest, 
and  I  wish  now  to  save  you  from  him."  David 
paused,  but  Charles  still  kept  silent,  looking  at 
him  in  amazement.  "You  don't  speak,"  contin 
ued  David,  "but  I've  hardly  given  you  an  op 
portunity,  and  I  have  still  more  to  say.  Listen. 
You  joined  Ezra  in  his  plot  to  do  away  with  me, 
but  I  don't  believe  you  knew  what  he  intended. 
You  thought  I  was  to  be  sent  to  some  distant  place 
where  I  could  take  care  of  myself,  and  whence  I 

could 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       189 

could  eventually  return  to  Boston,  though  with 
some  difficulty.  Instead  of  this  he  had  me  carried 
to  a  desolate  island  below  the  Caribbean  Sea,  where 
for  three  weeks  I  was  in  great  agony  of  mind, 
though  I  had  no  bodily  sufferings,  thank  God!" 
"And  you  are  safe,"  said  Charles,  still  looking  at 
him  in  the  same  manner.  "I  am  glad  of  it,  for  I 
meant  you  no  harm.  I  have  been  through  so  much 
myself  that  your  appearance  startled  me,  and  I 
have  not  yet  fully  recovered  from  the  shock.  Go 
on.  I  can't  speak  until  I  am  calmer." 
"Later  I  will  tell  you  all,"  said  David.  "Suffice 
it  now  that  I  was  in  Norwich  when  you  were 
there,  having  landed  from  the  Dreadnaught  near 
Tar  mouth.  I  overheard  what  you  said  on  the  walls, 
and  taking  advantage  of  it  found  out  Dorothy, 
and  returned  with  her  and  the  Governor  to  Lon 
don.  All  this  seems  impossible,  does  it  not?  But 
there  have  been  many  stranger  things." 
Charles  passed  his  hand  over  his  brow  and  tried 
to  speak.  Finally  he  said  with  effort,  '•'•David 
Whittemore  !  David  Whittemore  !  Can  it  be  possi 
ble?  I  dreamt  of  you  that  night  in  Norwich,  and 
heard  you  call  out  to  me  to  save  you.  I  am  not 
superstitious,  but  when  I  saw  you  I  was  afraid 
my  mind  was  weakening.  It's  been  much  wrought 
upon  of  late.  You  are  right  in  all  you  say,  and  I 
have  found  out  the  whole  truth  since  that  night. 
I  then  learned  for  the  first  time  that  Ezra  had 
sent  you  to  die.  I  then  learned  that  he  was  not  a 
fit  person  to  wed  my  sister,  and  that  he  was  all  you 
say.  I  have  come  to  London  alone,  for  he  left  me  in 
the  night,  and  I  thank  Heaven  he  did  not  accom 
plish  what  he  had  in  mind." 

"He 


190      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"He  has  not  accomplished  it,  and  he  will  not  do 
so.  Charles"  added  David,  holding  out  his  hand, 
"we  will  let  our  political  differences  pass,  will  we 
not,  and  be  friends  again?" 
"With  all  my  heart.  I  know  you'll  never  take  up 
arms  against  our  country,  and  that  you're  more 
a  follower  of  Hutchinson  than  a  royalist.  Isn't  it 
so?  Didn't  you  change  because  you  believed  that 
His  Excellency  was  misjudged?" 
"You  are  partly  right,  Charles.  But  there  was 
something  else." 
"And  that  was?" 

'•'•Dorothy.  She  converted  me,  for  she  saw  far  clear 
er  than  I." 

A  little  later  they  alighted  before  the  Governor's 
house  in  Golden  Square,  and  a  few  moments  after 
Charles  and  Dorothy  were  in  each  other's  arms. 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

;v  rung,  but  a  Wedding  Journey  is  interrupted. 


A  FEW  days  after  the  brother  and  sis 
ter  had  been  so  happily  re-united,  a 
coach  and  a  post-chaise  were  waiting 
opposite  the  door  to  convey  six  per 
sons  to  Croydon,  in  Surrey,  a  few  miles  south  of  Lon 
don.  The  Governor,  Peggy,  Billy  and  David  got  in 
to  the  coach.  Charles  and  Dorothy  stepped  into  the 
chaise,  and  with  the  cracking  of  whips,  and  calls 
of  the  postilion,  the  horses  sprang  forward,  and 
the  happy  party  went  on  their  way. 
They  passed  over  London  Bridge,  through  Black- 
heath,  Bermondsey,  by  the  New  Cross  Inn,  and 
alighted  at  last  at  Croydon  Church.*  There  they 
were  cordially  met  by  their  old  friend,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Apthorp. 

"I  see  you've  received  my  note,"  said  the  Gov 
ernor  taking  the  clergyman  by  the  hand.  "  I  knew 
you  wouldn't  refuse  to  unite  two  of  our  young 
New  England  people.  I  consider  them  as  my  chil 
dren,"  he  continued,  looking  at  them  affection 
ately.  "  It's  good,  isn't  it,  to  have  a  little  province 
of  one's  own  here?" 

"Your  Excellency,"  said  Dr.  Apthorp,  "I  am 
more  than  happy  to  do  what  I  can  for  these  good 
countrymen  of  mine." 

Quietly,  in  the  old  church,  David  and  Dorothy 
were  made  man  and  wife.  Oh!  how  happy  they 

were 

*  Croydon  Church  was  built  in  the  XVth  Century  and  was 
the  re/ting-place  of  Bijhops  and  Archbijhops. 


192      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

were  as  they  stepped  into  the  coach  with  the  Gov 
ernor  and  Peggy,  and  were  driven  to  Dr.  Apthorp's 
house.  One  might  say  that  their  story  has  now  been 
told.  But  such  is  not  the  case.  All  lives  are  not 
devoid  of  romance  after  marriage. 
It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  when  the  little  wedding 
party  started  on  their  return  to  London. 
They  had  just  passed  the  New  Cross  Inn,  and  were 
going  along  at  a  brisk  pace,  when  the  occupants 
of  the  coach  were  startled  by  a  sudden  halt  as  if  the 
horses  had  stumbled. 

"What's  the  matter,  Riley?"  cried  the  Govern 
or,  thrusting  his  head  out  of  the  window,  and  ad 
dressing  the  footman,  who,  losing  his  balance,  had 
been  obliged  to  jump  to  the  ground. 
"Highwaymen,  your  Excellency.  One  has  the 
horses'  heads,  and  the  other  is  coming  this  way. 
Have  your  pistol  ready,  Sir.  I  will  keep  him  off 
if  I  can." 

"Hold  up  your  hands,"  said  a  deep  voice  nearing 
the  carriage.  "We've  business  with  you.  Do  as  we 
say,  and  we'll  not  harm  you,  but  one  word  and  I 
put  a  ball  through  you.  Just  listen  a  moment.  Let 
the  young  lady  who  is  on  the  other  side  of  the 
coach  step  out,  and  the  rest  of  you  may  go  your 
way.  She  ought  to  be  willing  to  save  such  kind 
friends  as  you  are.  Come,  my  lady,  do  this  for  the 
sake  of  His  Excellency  and,"  he  continued  in  an 
insinuating  voice,  "for  somebody  else." 
"Away  with  you,  and  let  us  pass,  you  scoundrel ! " 
said  the  Governor, eyeing  the  man  fearlessly.  "I 
don't  fear  your  shooting,  for  you  haven't  the  cour 
age  to  hear  the  report  of  your  own  pistol.  Away 
with  you!  I  say." 

"You're 


Miss  DODDRIDGE 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       193 

"  You're  a  very  plucky  old  gentleman,"  said  the 
other,  laughing,  "and  I  respect  you  for  it.  But 
it'll  do  no  good.  I  won't  shoot  unless  I  have  to, 
so  be  careful  you  don't  make  it  necessary.  Let 
the  lady  pass." 

The  chaise  had  kept  some  distance  behind,  and 
the  occupants  had  not  noticed  the  coach  stop. 
The  gentlemen  of  the  road  had  not  reckoned 
on  its  coming,  and  when  it  appeared  a  few  min 
utes  later  they  were  somewhat  disconcerted. 
"Hurry,  or  I'll  shoot,"  said  the  first  man. 
"No,  you  won't! "  said  David,  jumping  from  the 
chaise.  Rushing  up  with  a  cane  he  struck  the 
man  across  his  pistol  hand.  The  pistol  dropped, 
and  with  an  oath  its  owner  put  spurs  to  his  horse 
and  disappeared  in  the  darkness. 
The  man  at  the  horses'  heads  did  not  follow  his 
companion,  but  hesitated  a  moment ;  then,  striking 
his  horse,  rode  directly  towards  where  David  was 
standing  between  Charles  and  the  coach. 
"This  is  for  you,  David  Whittemore"  said  the 
voice  of  Ezra  Jaquith  as  he  rode  past.  "You 
shan't  have  her." 

There  was  the  sharp  report  of  a  pistol,  and  with 
a  groan  David  sank  to  the  ground.  With  a  scream 
of  terror  Dorothy  threw  herself  from  the  coach  and 
ran  to<  him. 

"Are  you  badly  hurt?"  said  the  Governor,  bend 
ing  over  him. 

"My  shoulder,"  gasped  David.  "I  don't  think 
it  is  much,  however.  Kindly  rest  me  on  the  other 
side.  Thank  you,  Riley.  There!  Now  I  am  fit  to 
move.  It  seemed  to  stun  me." 

They 


194      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

They  lifted  him  into  the  coach  and  drove  rapid 
ly  on.  Reaching  home  they  found  the  ball  had 
passed  through  the  shoulder  grazing  the  bone,  but 
except  for  the  shock  there  was  no  serious  injury, 
and  on  the  following  day  David  was  much  as 
usual,  though  a  little  pale  and  weak,  but  thank 
ing  God,  with  Dorothy,  that  it  was  nothing  worse. 
"I  have  a  charmed  life,"  he  said,  as  the  Govern 
or  enquired  how  he  felt.  "I  seem  bound  to  have 
serious  adventures,  but  to  get  out  of  them  success 
fully.  I  hope  you  and  your  daughter  are  not  suf 
fering  from  the  effecls  of  this  affair.  Dorothy  was 
really  frightened,  something  unusual  for  her.  But 
except  for  a  headache  she  is  all  right  to-day." 
"David"  said  the  Governor,  "that  was  Jaquith. 
I  heard  him  mention  your  name  as  he  fired.  The 
fellow  must  be  caught,  for  he's  bound  to  do  you 
some  injury,  and  I'm  afraid  he'll  succeed  at  the 
next  attempt.  I'll  have  this  matter  looked  into  at 
once.  Does  Dorothy  know  it  was  he?" 
"Oh,  no!  your  Excellency,  I  haven't  told  her. 
Only  you  and  Charles  know  it." 
"Then  don't  tell  her,  for  it  would  only  worry 
her.  I  believe  that  he  can  be  caught,  and  I  have 
a  plan  which  will  succeed,  unless  I'm  mistaken. 
In  the  meanwhile  don't  venture  out  at  night 
without  companions." 

"I  dislike  anything  that  looks  like  cowardice, 
and  I'm  not  afraid  of  Jaquith"  said  David,  "but 
for  Dorothy's  sake,  and  because  you  ask  me,  I'll 
be  careful.  I  think  that  Charles  is  equally  in  dan 
ger.  Shan't  I  tell  him  that  you  make  the  same  re 
quest  of  him?" 

"Do 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       195 

"Do  so  by  all  means,  for  he  is  a  courageous  fel 
low,  and  we  must  keep  him  out  of  harm's  way," 
replied  the  Governor,  with  a  sigh. 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

fends  his  Servant  on  a  MiJJion. 

GOVERNOR  HUrCHINSON'S  foot 
man  and  confidential  servant,  Patrick 
Riley,  had  been  in  the  latter's  employ 
in  America  for  nearly  twenty  years,  and 
had  come  to  England  with  him  on  the  Minerva. 
Although  a  small  man,  he  was  strong  and  plucky, 
and  was  devoted  to  his  master.  Born  in  Milton^ 
of  Irish  parents,  he  had  been  invaluable  on  the 
place  there,  and  at  times  had  been  given  posi 
tions  of  some  responsibility  about  the  house  and 
gardens.  The  Governor  had  every  confidence  in 
him,  and  it  was  to  him  that  he  entrusted  the  prep 
arations  for  the  carrying  out  of  his  plans  to  cap 
ture  Jaquith. 

The  undertaking  was  not  an  unusual  one,  and  had 
been  successfully  put  into  operation  on  many  oc 
casions  when  the  unfrequented  and  ill-guarded 
outskirts  of  London  were  infested  by  gentlemen 
of  the  road,  who  in  their  recklessness  and  over- 
confidence  took  so  many  chances. 
About  the  years  1773-1775  there  was  wellnigh 
a  reign  of  terror  in  and  about  London^  caused  by 
these  desperadoes.  But  there  is  no  doubt  that  most 
of  these  "  Knights  of  the  Road  "  had  a  fine  regard 
for  their  self-preservation,  and  at  the  sight  or  sound 
of  a  pistol  they  would  in  most  cases  decamp. 
The  admiration  of  a  certain  portion  of  the  popu 
lace  for  these  dare-devil  and  jolly  gentlemen  was 
[196]  strong 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.       197 

strong  and  peculiar,  and  this  the  authorities  could 
not  control.  Their  accomplices  were  many,  and 
found  in  circles  one  would  least  suspect.  It  was  said 
that  dukes  and  duchesses  connived  with,  and  aid 
ed  them  in  their  adventures,  and  it  was  even  hint 
ed  that  a  reverend  Bishop  passed  some  of  his  lei 
sure  on  Hounslow  Heath.  But  that  the  proprietors 
of  the  several  suburban  inns  were  in  harmony  with 
them  is  an  undisputed  fact,  for  these  resorts  were 
planned  and  equipped  with  special  reference  to 
their  convenience.  Panels,  sliding  doors,  trap 
doors,  secret  passages,  and  every  conceivable 
means  of  escape  have  been  discovered  in  the  dem 
olition  of  such  of  these  as  have  given  way  to  the 
improvements  of  the  last  half  century. 
In  these  days  of  model  police  it  seems  strange  that 
such  a  state  of  lawlessness  could  have  existed.  But 
the  people  as  a  whole  rather  enjoyed  it,  and  felt 
a  certain  pride  in  being  relieved  of  their  purses 
by  these  doughty  heroes.  And  there  still  exists  in 
America  and  Great  Britain  a  class  of  men  who  look 
with  pride  on  the  political  highwaymen  who  plun 
der  them  without  opposition, — rising  thereby  in 
their  estimation.  The  world  changes  little.  In 
1774  it  was  the  fashion  to  be  robbed  on  the 
highway;  to-day  it  is  the  fashion  to  be  robbed 
in  the  halls  of  legislation.  The  former  resulted  in 
inconvenience  and  loss  to  a  few  individuals;  the  lat 
ter  brings  want  and  distress  to  millions.  The  ques 
tion  might  well  be  asked,  "Which  is  the  greater 
evil?" 

Those  places  about  London  most  frequented  by 
these  "favourites  of  the  road"  at  the  end  of  the 

last 


198      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

last  century,  were  Knights  bridge,  Kensington, 
Hounslow  Heath,  Hoi  born  Hill  and  Blackheath, 
and  they  did  not  hesitate  to  enter  the  more  fre 
quented  parts  of  the  town  in  plain  daylight.  In 
the  outlying  districts,  and  under  cover  of  the 
night,  they  were  practically  unmolested,  and  the 
gibbet  and  threats  of  the  officers  of  the  law  only 
served  to  add  zest  and  spice  to  their  adventures. 
It  was  near  Blackheath  that  the  Governor's  party 
had  been  attacked,  and  it  was  there  that  Mr.  Hutch- 
inson  proposed  to  look  for  Ezra  and  his  accom 
plice. 

On  the  afternoon  after  their  return  from  Croydon, 
His  Excellency  sent  for  Patrick  Riley. 
"Riley"  he  said  with  great  condescension  and 
kindness,  "you  have  been  a  faithful  servant  to 
me  for  many  years,  and  I  have  therefore  chosen 
you  for  a  difficult  undertaking." 
"Yes,  your  Excellency,"  replied  Riley  with  re 
spect. 

"It  is  of  very  great  importance  that  those  rascals 
who  attacked  us  yesterday  should  be  brought  to 
justice,  for  they  are  not  in  search  of  plunder,  but 
intend  to  abduct  Mrs.  Whittemore,  and  do  mis 
chief  to  Mr.  Whittemore.  What  I  wish  done  I  can 
not  command  you  to  do,  for  it  is  not  a  matter  con 
nected  with  your  duties." 

"I  will  do  anything  for  your  Excellency,"  an 
swered  Patrick, 

"I  know  you  will,  Riley,  and  I  realize  how  faith 
ful  you  are.  Now  listen.  You  will  go  dressed  in 
old  clothes  to  the  New  Cross  Inn, — the  one  that 
we  had  just  passed  when  assaulted.  You  will  pre 
tend 


The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN.      199 

tend  to  be  a  stable-boy  in  my  employ,  and  will 
drink  freely,  but  not  too  much.  Keep  your  eyes 
open  for  the  two  men,  for  I  am  sure  they  will  be 
there  some  time  during  the  afternoon  or  evening. 
If  you  see  them,  say,  as  if  excited  by  drink,  that  the 
Governor  and  ladies  are  going  to  Greenwich  to 
morrow  afternoon,  and  that  they  will  return  in  the 
evening.  You  understand  what  I  mean?  I  wish  to 
set  a  trap  for  them." 

"  I  think  I  understand,  Sir,  and  will  get  ready  and 
start  at  once." 

"Be  careful,  and  do  not  betray  yourself.  Much 
depends  on  how  you  play  your  part.  Come  to  me 
on  your  return,  and  to-morrow  we  will  make  fur 
ther  preparations." 

At  about  five  o'clock  Riley  went  to  the  stable,  and 
donned  an  old  suit  and  cap,  with  as  much  stable 
dirt  as  would  make  him  appear  true  to  his  char 
acter.  Well  hidden,  he  had  a  pistol  and  dagger,  to 
gether  with  an  ample  supply  of  money.  He  looked 
himself  over  with  a  smile,  for  he  was  somewhat  of 
a  dandy,  and  started  out  through  the  Square,  and 
across  the  river  towards  Blackheath.  He  felt  of 
great  importance  in  his  role  of  detective,  and 
did  not  in  the  least  object  to  his  expedition,  which 
he  looked  upon  as  one  of  recreation. 
"This  is  quite  a  trip,"  he  said  to  himself,  shaking 
his  head  with  his  mouth  set  firmly  together.  "I'll 
do  it  properly,  though.  If  I  can  catch  a  highway 
man  I'll  have  something  to  talk  about  to  the  boys 
when  I  go  home.  Let  me  see,  where  do  we  turn 
now?  This  way,  I  think.  Yes,  here  we  are.  I  do 
believe  this  is  the  place  where  we  were  stopped. 

Poor 


2OO     'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Poor  old  Mark!  How  he  would  have  enjoyed  a 
hand  in  this." 

It  was  near  sunset  when  Patrick  entered  the  court 
yard  of  the  New  Cross  Inn.  Perhaps  half  a  dozen 
tough-looking  characters  were  lounging  about 
the  doorway  as  he  went  into  the  long,  low  room, 
and  seated  himself  with  a  careless  air  on  one  of 
the  wooden  benches  near  a  table. 
"I  say,  Mister,  give  me  a  pint  of  ale,  "said  he,  eye 
ing  the  landlord.  "I've  got  a  holiday,  and  want  to 
make  merry.  One  month's  pay  here  for  you  if 
you'll  serve  me  well.  There,"  he  continued,  slap 
ping  a  half-crown  on  to  the  table,  "  make  that  go, 
and  more  later.  I'm  tired  of  feeding  vicious  screws, 
and  scrubbing  the  clay  off  coaches  and  chaises. 
Bring  me  another,  my  lord.  Where  are  all  our 
friends,  Master?  It's  lonesome  here." 
"There  will  be  plenty  here  before  long,"  said  the 
host,  a  hard-looking  man.  "You'll  soon  have  all 
the  company  you  want." 

"  That's  right !  That's  right ! "  said  Patrick,  pound 
ing  the  table.  "  Call  in  two  or  three  to  drink  with 
me.  Ho,  there !  Come  in  here  and  keep  me  com 
pany." 

The  men  he  had  seen  outside  the  door  slouched  in 
one  after  the  other,  eyeing  him  in  a  suspicious 
manner. 

"  Now,"  he  thought,  "  I'm  in  for  it.  If  these  chaps 
don't  cut  my  throat,  nobody  will,  so  here  we  go." 
He  had  finally  got  so  far  as  to  make  his  new 
acquaintances  appreciate  his  hospitality,  and  was 
beginning  to  think  that  a  change  of  companions 
would  not  be  undesirable,  when  there  was  a  sound 
of  horses  in  the  court-yard. 

"The 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      201 

"The  company  is  beginning  to  come,"  thought 
he.  "Now  for  a  little  more  care  in  my  manner. 
Look  out,  Patrick  Riley,  you've  got  important 
business  on  your  hands." 

In  a  few  moments  there  was  a  rattling  of  spurs 
in  the  doorway  and  a  tall,  handsome  young  man 
strode  into  the  room.  He  was  fair,  smooth  shaven, 
and  jauntily  dressed,  with  high  riding  boots,  gold- 
hiked  sword,  and  inlaid  pistols  in  his  belt.  He  wore 
no  wig,  but  a  mass  of  flaxen  hair  fell  in  waves  about 
his  neck  and  shoulders.  Throwing  his  hat  on  a 
table,  he  walked  across  to  where  the  landlord 
stood,  and  said  in  a  loud  voice,  evidently  fearing 
nothing,  "Have  they  come  in  yet?  They  were 
to  be  here  before  eight  o'clock,  and  it  is  now  half 
an  hour  later." 

"  They  are  here  and  resting.  Last  night  was  a  busy 
one,  and  they  went  to  their  room  as  soon  as  they 
arrived." 

"Very  well  then.  Which  one  is  it?  I'll  go  to  them." 
"In  the  green  room.  You  know  the  way,  Sir." 
The  young  man  picked  up  his  hat  and  disappeared 
through  a  door  in  the  side  of  the  room. 
"Handsome  Jack  is  busy  to-night,"  said  one  of 
the  men,  eyeing  the  man  as  he  passed  out  of  the 
door. 

"Handsome  Jack"  thought  Patrick.  "He  is  cer 
tainly  a  fine  looking  fellow,  but  how  am  I  to  find 
out  anything  about  him  ?  If  I  ask  it'll  make  'em 
suspect  me." 

"Where  are  his  sixteen  strings?"  said  another. 
"He's  dressed  for  the  ladies,  not  for  business." 
"  It's  all  the  same  to  Jack  Rann"  said  a  third.  "  He 

makes 


202      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

makes  himself  look  as  he  pleases.  Business  or 
pleasure  is  all  one  with  him." 
"Well,"  thought  Patrick,  "so  this  is  Jack  Rann. 
I  have  heard  of  him. '  Sixteen-string  "Jack '  they  call 
him.  He  used  to  be  in  my  line  of  business  as  coach 
man  with  a  duke  or  lord  or  something.  I'm  glad 
to  have  seen  him  here  and  not  on  the  road.  But 
I  am  sure  he  is  not  the  man  I'm  looking  for.  His 
voice  is  different." 

With  these  thoughts  he  tilted  back  in  his  chair 
and  ordered  more  ale  for  himself  and  his  new 
friends. 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXXV 

£  knows  his  Bujinefs. 


PERHAPS  no  highwayman  during  the 
1  7th  and  i8th  centuries  had  more  dar 
ing,  or  a  more  brilliant  career  than  John 
Rann,  or,  (as  he  was  better  known  to  his 
friends  and  admirers,)  "Sixteen-string  Jack"  from 
the  sixteen  cords  which  hung  from  his  knees,  em 
blematic  of  the  times  he  had  been  captured  and 
escaped  j  ustice.  He  had  made  himself  the  acknowl 
edged  leader  of  the  footpads  and  roughs,  and  the 
officers  of  the  law  had  little  wish  to  undertake  his 
capture  singlehanded. 

On  reaching  the  room  designated  by  the  landlord 
as  the  Green  Room,  Rann  found  two  men  seated  by 
a  small  table  with  a  jug  and  two  glasses  upon  it. 
They  were  Jaquith  and  his  new  friend,  resting 
from  their  unsuccessful  adventure  of  the  night 
before. 

"  D  —  n  it,"  said  Rann,  as  he  entered,  "  you'll  have 
to  learn  something  from  me  before  you  try  again 
to  stop  a  coach  and  a  chaise  with  six  passengers,  to 
say  nothing  of  coachman,  footman  and  postilion. 
But  I'll  go  with  you  next  time,  if  our  friend  here 
will  keep  his  word  and  pay  down  the  cash." 
"You  shall  have  what  I  have  promised,"  said  Ez 
ra,  "but  we've  got  to  ascertain  first  when  they're 
going  out  again,  and  where  to  find  them.  Will 
not  that  be  difficult?" 

"  No,"  answered  Rann,  "  do  as  I  say,  and  we'll  get 
[203]  'em 


204      The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

'em  fast  enough.  We'll  leave  the  task  of  learning 
about  their  movements  to  'Jerry" 
"I'm  willing  to  do  that,  but  remember,  Jack, 
that  it's  a  hard  job,  and  one  for  which  you  are  bet 
ter  fitted  than  I.  You're  a  ladies'  man,  and,"  he 
added  slyly,  "it's  through  them  that  we  must 
work." 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind,"  said  Rann.  "  It  is  through 
the  stable.  Come  on,  and  let's  go  out  for  a  ride  to 
night.  There  is  no  use  in  wasting  time  here,  and 
perhaps  we'll  have  some  amusement.  Will  you 
come  with  us?"  he  continued,  addressing  Ja- 
quith. 

"Willingly,"  said  Ezra,  "a  little  fresh  air  will  do 
me  good,  and  a  lesson  from  you  will  do  me  no 
harm." 

They  then  descended  to  the  room  below,  where 
Patrick  and  his  friends  were  still  making  merry. 
"Now's  my  time,"  thought  Riley,  "I'll  play  my 
trump  card  now.  Here  goes.  I  must  get  back  to 
the  stables  soon,"  said  he,  "or  I'll  get  a  basting. 
The  old  Governor  is  mighty  particular  since  he 
came  from  America.  Why,  he's  out  every  day,  and 
there's  no  rest  in  his  stables  or  anywhere." 
"Hush!"  whispered  Rann,  turning  to  his  com 
panions.  "Perhaps  here's  our  chance.  A  drunken 
stable-boy,  I'll  warrant,  and  if  he  comes  from 
Hutchinson,  he'll  answer  our  purpose,  and  save 
us  much  trouble.  Sit  down  here  and  wait  a  mo 
ment." 

"I  was  saying,"  continued  Patrick,  not  seeming 
to  notice  the  new-comers,  "that  old  Hutchinson 
is  out  all  the  time,  careering  around  somewhere.  • 

Yesterday 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      205 

Yesterday  he  was  away  and  didn't  get  back  till 
night.  I  don't  know  where  he  went,  but  he  came 
near  getting  his  head  blown  off,  and  I  sometimes 
wish  he  would,  and  that  I  could  get  a  new  place. 
He's  been  out  to-day;  and  to-morrow,  I  heard 
the  coachman  say,  they  go  again." 
"  Well,  my  friends,"  said  Rann,  coming  up  to  them 
with  a  smile,  "you  seem  to  be  making  merry. 
Won't  you  join  me  in  a  bumper?  That's  right. 
I  have  a  long  ride  before  me  to-night,  and  need 
a  stimulant." 

"I'm  obliged  to  you,  Sir,"  said  Patrick,  looking 
up  with  a  stupid  stare.  "You  are  a  fine  gentle 
man,  Sir,  and  I  feel  proud  to  drink  with  you. 
Your  health,  Sir,  and  a  long  life  to  you." 
"You're  a  stranger  here,  aren't  you?" 
"Yes,  your  Honour,  having  but  recently  come  to 
London.  My  master  is  an  American,  Sir.  But  this 
is  a  fine  town.  Your  health  and  a  long  life  to  you 
and  yours." 

"And  what's  your  master's  name,  my  man?" 
"Eh?  His  name?  Oh,  yes.  Hutchinson,  Sir.  His 
Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Esquire,  Sir.  God 
bless  him!" 

"  Indeed ! "  said  Rann,  assuming  an  air  of  surprise; 
"a  fine  service  you're  in,  and  it  must  pay  you 
well." 

"Pretty  well,  but  I  tire  of  the  work.  It's  work, 
scrub,  curry  all  the  time.  They  don't  rest." 
"Do  they  travel  much?" 

"Do  they  travel  much?  Well!  Well!  I  should 
think  they  did!  Nothing  else  but  travel.  Out  yes 
terday,  out  to-day,  and  out  to-morrow  again." 
"And  where  do  they  go?" 

"Everywhere 


206      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

"Everywhere,  but  they  don't  always  tell  me,  for 
I  don't  go  with  them  much." 
"And  haven't  you  heard  where  they're  going  to 
morrow?"  asked  Rann,  striking  in  boldly. 
"  To  be  sure  I  have,  your  Honour.  They  are  going 
to  Greenwich,  and  I  must  sit  up  for  'em,  and  care 
for  the  horses  late.  I  don't  like  it.  I'd  rather  be 
here." 

"Another  bumper,  my  friend.  You  seem  a  worthy 
fellow,"  said  Rann,  his  eyes  sparkling. 
"You'll  find  I  am  more  worthy  than  you  wish," 
said  Patrick  to  himself,  "and  the  Devil  take  my 
soul  if  I  don't  go  to  see  you  hanged.  You  would 
look  pretty  on  the  gibbet  with  all  your  fine  stol 
en  clothes  on." 

"Come  here  again  and  you'll  be  well  received, 
I'll  warrant  you,"  said  Rann,  turning  towards  the 
landlord.  "Remember  that  this  is  a  friend  of 
mine." 

"I  don't  think  it  a  compliment  to  be  your  friend," 
thought  Patrick,  "and  you'll  be  sorry  that  I  am, 
before  long." 

"Now,"  said  Riley,  as  he  started  out  of  the  inn 
courtyard  on  his  way  home,  "if  I  don't  get  mur 
dered  between  here  and  Golden  Square,  some 
body's  going  to  get  hanged  and  it  won't  be  me." 
He  had  taken  fully  as  much  ale  as  was  good  for 
him,  but  he  was  by  no  means  drunk,  and  when 
he  appeared  before  Mr.  Hutchinson  long  after 
midnight,  dressed  in  his  livery,  he  was  bright  and 
smiling  with  satisfaction. 
"Have  you  succeeded?"  asked  the  Governor. 
"Yes,  your  Excellency.  I've  seen  the  men,  and 

they've 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      207 

they've  learned  with  great  pleasure  that  your 
coach  is  going  to  Greenwich  to-morrow,  not  to 
return  until  late.  But  I  take  the  liberty  of  telling 
your  Excellency  that  John  Rann  '11  be  on  hand, 
and  he's  a  bad  one." 

"Thank  you,  Riley"  said  his  master,  as  the  man 
finished  his  story,  "  now  go  and  rest,  for  to-mor 
row  I  shall  have  more  for  you  to  do." 
"I'll  see  Lord  Dartmouth  in  the  morning," 
thought  the  Governor,  after  the  servant  had  re 
tired.  "What  a  treasure  that  man  Riley  is!  He  is 
fitted  for  a  better  position  than  that  of  footman. 
He  shall  be  well  rewarded." 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTERXXXVI.frr;£± 

caught  in  his  own  Trap. 


IN  the  afternoon  of  the  day  following  the 
events  related  in  the  preceding  chapter,  an 
equipage  drove  out  of  Governor  Hutchin- 
sons  stables.  On  the  box  was  the  coachman, 
—  the  Governor's  so  far  as  the  livery  showed.  But 
under  that  livery  was  the  body  of  an  officer  of  the 
law,  armed  to  the  teeth.  Behind  stood  the  foot 
man,  —  the  real  one,  for  Riley  wished  to  go,  and 
the  Governor  desired  him  to  do  so,  as  he  could 
give  much  information,  and  was  a  good  man  for 
the  undertaking. 

Inside  were  the  Governor,  Peggy,  Dorothy,  and 
David  Whittemore;  at  least  that  was  what  Mr. 
Hutchinson  s  friends  who  saw  the  coach  pass  im 
agined.  To  be  sure,  David  was  there.  The  Gov 
ernor,  however,  was  Charles  Doddridge  dressed  in 
His  Excellency's  clothes,  wearing  his  wig  and  hat, 
his  face  concealed  as  much  as  possible.  Peggy  and 
Dorothy  were  two  officers,  dressed  as  women,  and 
crouched  down  in  the  corners,  so  that  they  might 
appear  short  in  stature.  The  blinds  were  partly 
drawn,  and  the  deception  was  complete,  even  for 
those  who  knew  the  Governor  and  his  friends  well. 
Also  inside  the  coach  was  a  veritable  arsenal,  —  four 
carbines,  eight  pistols,  swords  and  daggers. 
So  equipped,  the  coach  proceeded  across  London 
Bridge,  and  thence  direct  to  Greenwich.  It  did  not 
[208]  stop 


'The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN.      209 

stop  there,  however,  but  kept  on  towards  Wool 
wich;  then  as  the  sun  was  getting  low,  turned  and 
headed  towards  Blackheath. 
The  horses  went  along  quietly,  for  the  occupants 
did  not  wish  to  reach  the  vicinity  of  the  inn  un 
til  such  an  hour  as  would  assure  their  being  met 
by  the  highwaymen.  It  was  now  dark,  and  they 
began  to  prepare  for  the  encounter  which  they 
felt  confident  must  take  place  before  long. 
As  the  coach  turned  towards  New  Cross,  the  coach 
man  suddenly  drew  in  his  horses,  and  putting  his 
head  down  said  in  a  low  whisper,  "  There  is  some 
thing  moving  in  the  road  ahead.  Get  your  weap 
ons  in  readiness,  and  when  you  hear  me  whistle, 
and  I  stop  the  coach,  jump  out  and  all  to  busi 
ness." 

A  moment  later  there  was  a  sound  of  galloping 
hoofs,  and  instantly  the  horses'  heads  were  held  by 
one  man,  the  coachman  covered  by  the  pistol  of 
a  second,  while  a  third,  Sixteen-string  Jack  him 
self,  started  to  ride  up  to  the  coach  door.  But  he 
did  not  get  there,  for  at  the  preconcerted  signal, 
Dorothy  and  Peggy  were  transformed  in  a  trice, 
and  out  came  four  men  aiming  their  pistols  at  his 
head.  Rann  and  the  first  man  disappeared,  but  the 
horse  of  the  one  who  was  guarding  the  coachman 
stumbled  and  fell  to  the  ground  with  a  shattered 
shoulder. 

The  rider  was  thrown  violently,  and  before  he 
could  rise,  David  and  Charles  were  upon  him. 
"So,  Master  Ezra"  said  David,  helping  to  hold 
the  struggling  man,  while  the  officers  bound  him, 
"we  have  you  at  last.  When  Captain  Carpenter 

left 


2io     'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

left  me  in  the  Caribbean  Sea,  I  requested  him  to 
give  you  a  message,  but  I  fear  it  has  never  reached 
you.  It  was  this,  if  my  memory  serves  me:  'Tell 
Mr.  Ezra  Jaquith  that  many  strange  things  hap 
pen  in  this  world.  He  has  played  a  very  skilful 
game,  but  he  may  yet  regret  what  he  has  done.' 
And  it  seems  now  that  I  was  right.  There  is  a 
place  called  Tyburn  not  far  from  here,  where  such 
as  you  are  wont  to  hang  in  the  fresh  air  of  Lon 
don.  This  is  the  gentleman  whom  we  particular 
ly  sought,"  he  continued,  turning  to  the  officers, 
"and  as  I  don't  wish  to  hear  his  explanations, 
kindly  gag  him." 

This  was  done,  and  the  party  drove  off,  Ezra  seat 
ed,  bound  hand  and  foot,  between  two  of  the  offi 
cers.  "We  will  go  by  the  way  of  Newgate,  with 
your  permission,"  said  one  of  these,  addressing 
David.  "It  is  well  to  deposit  our  prize  without 
delay,  for  a  rescue  might  be  attempted.  Once  he's 
safe,  we  will  accompany  you  to  Golden  Square." 
"Very  well,"  answered  David,  "but  there'll  be 
no  further  trouble  now  that  this  bird  is  caged. 
The  others  care  for  nothing  save  his  purse-strings. 
Now  that  they  are  tight  drawn  they  will  pay  him 
no  further  heed." 

Jaquith  fixed  a  look  filled  with  hatred  on  him,  and 
David  continued,  "You  had  no  pity  on  me,  nor 
have  you  sought  anything  but  evil.  Why  should  we 
spare  you?  It  is  true  that  you  gave  me  an  oppor 
tunity  of  speaking  in  self-defence  in  the  woods 
at  the  foot  of  the  BlueHills,  but  the  circumstances 
of  my  arrest  were  somewhat  different  from  yours. 
I  was  a  peaceful  traveller  upon  the  highway;  you 

are 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      211 

are  a  highway  robber,  intent  on  abduction  and 
murder.  You  need  not  look  to  Charles  for  sym 
pathy.  He  has  long  since  discovered  the  blackness 
of  your  heart." 

"Ezra,"  said  Charles,  eyeing  him  with  anger, 
"you  have  been  the  cause  of  my  committing  the 
only  act  of  injustice  of  which  I  have  ever  inten 
tionally  been  guilty.  You  were  shrewd  enough  to 
deceive  me,  but  you  have  never  deceived  David 
and  Dorothy.  They  have  read  your  character 
aright  from  the  first,  and  I  thank  God  that  I  have 
learned  it  before  it  was  too  late.  You  are  now  go 
ing  whence  you  will  never  return.  Pray  for  for 
giveness,  for  you  need  it,  and  if  you  are  truly  re 
pentant,  God  in  His  mercy  may  grant  it  you." 
They  had  now  stopped  before  the  gate  of  the 
great,  sombre  prison,  and  Ezra  trembled  visi 
bly.  The  two  young  men  could  not  restrain  a 
feeling  of  pity,  yet  they  kept  firm,  and  said  noth 
ing.  The  officers  dragged  him  from  the  coach, 
which  a  few  moments  later  continued  on  its  way. 
"It's  done,  your  Excellency,"  said  David,  throw 
ing  himself  into  a  chair  exhausted.  "God  pity 
him!" 


CHAPTER 


\ 


CHAPTER  XXXVII 

repair  to  Milton. 

COWARD  the  end  of  October,  1774, 
the  ship  Lion  sighted  Marblehead  in 
Massachusetts,  landing  on  the  same  day 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  David  Whittemore  and 
Charles  Doddridge  at  Salem.  On  reaching  Boston, 
Dorothy  hastened  to  her  mother's  grave,  which 
was  by  her  dear  father's,  in  the  Old  Burial 
Ground.  As  she  stood  there  leaning  on  Charles's 
arm,  for  David  had  thought  it  best  that  the  broth 
er  and  sister  should  go  alone,  the  feeling  came 
over  her  that  her  father  would  have  wished  her 
more  patient  with  her  mother,  and  though  she 
never  wavered  in  her  Jove  and  allegiance  to  those 
so  dear  to  her,  she  vowed  that  from  henceforth 
nothing  should  separate  her  heart  from  Charles. 
With  a  sob  she  turned  and  left  the  ground. 
Shortly  after,  they  proceeded  to  Milton,  where 
His  Excellency  had  asked  them  to  live  until  such 
time  as  it  would  be  safe  for  his  son  Thomas  to  re 
turn  there  permanently.  They  had  accepted  the 
invitation  with  joy,  for  they  had  dear  associations 
with  the  place. 

Charles  remained  with  them  for  some  days  before 
going  to  Boston,  where  he  felt  his  presence  was 
now  needed,  matters  having  reached  such  a  point 
that  the  patriots  were  momentarily  expecting  an 
outbreak.  They  had  all  agreed  to  keep  their  own 
political  beliefs,  but  never  to  quarrel  again.  The 
[212]  Whittemores 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      213 

Whittemores  were  still  strong  Tories,  wishing  the 
government  to  be  sustained  and  obeyed.  But  Da 
vid  would  never  bear  arms  against  his  native  land, 
and  like  many  others  decided  to  take  no  part  in 
events  until  the  final  outbreak. 
Charles  had  changed  much,  and  no  wonder.  He 
was  now  moderate  and  conservative,  and  coun 
selled  the  Sons  of  Liberty  to  heed  the  words  of 
Adams  and  Hancock,  and  give  up  many  of  their 
violent  acts.  He  was  always  listened  to,  and  his 
opinions  had  much  weight. 
They  received  many  letters  from  the  Governor 
and  Peggy.  The  former  had  now  decided  to  re 
main  in  England  until  Spring,  hoping  that  by  that 
time  the  Province  would  be  in  a  more  settled 
state.  He  sent  them  flower-seeds  and  roots  by 
every  opportunity,  which  were  handed  over  to  the 
old  Scotch  gardener,  and  in  all  his  letters  his  love 
for  New  England  and  his  impatience  to  return  to 
his  Milton  home  were  expressed  in  affectionate 
terms. 

New  England  in  October  is  beautiful.  Milton  was 
in  its  glory  of  brilliant  foliage,  and  its  hills,  vales, 
forests,  and  fields  were  radiant  in  their  rich  soft 
hues.  The  garden  was  still  charming,  but  seemed 
sad  at  the  absence  of  those  who  loved  it  so  well. 
Often  did  David  and  Dorothy  walk  over  its  soft 
pleached  alleys  toward  the  ha-ha,  bidding  it  be 
comforted,  for  the  Governor  and  Peggy  would 
surely  return  in  the  Spring,  when  its  new  young 
life  would  peep  forth  from  beneath  its  soft  cov 
ering  to  welcome  them. 

Many 


214      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Many  things  had  happened  in  Milton  since  the 
Governor  had  left  it.  Joseph  Warren  had  present 
ed  the  memorable  Suffolk  Resolves  in  the  house 
of  Daniel  Vose,  and  the  citizens  had  formed  mili 
tia  companies  which  were  drilling  almost  daily. 
Yet  with  all  this  the  quiet  town  was  quieter  than 
a  year  before,  the  citizens  being  passive,  waiting 
for  the  British  troops  to  take  the  first  step. 
David  and  Dorothy  saw  many  of  those  who  were 
still  loyal  to  the  Governor,  and  the  days  passed 
happily  on  until  the  country  about  was  covered 
with  its  snow-white  winter  mantle. 
On  an  evening  near  the  end  of  December,  they 
were  sitting  before  the  bright  fire  in  the  parlour. 
David  held  in  his  hand  a  letter  from  their  old 
friend,  which  he  was  reading  aloud.  It  was  dated 
the  second  of  the  month,  and  had  just  arrived  by 
packet,  together  with  some  fine  gooseberries  for 
Ferguson,  the  gardener.  He  had  already  read  a 
part  of  it  when  he  reached  the  following  para 
graph,  which  was  of  especial  interest  to  them : 
"  Jaquith  has  escaped  from  Newgate  prison  un 
der  peculiar  circumstances.  It  seems  that  when  his 
friend,  John  Rann,  (who  was  keeping  him  com 
pany  for  having  robbed  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bell,  chap 
lain  to  the  Princess  Amelia?)  was  being  led  forth 
to  Tyburn  Tree,  there  was  a  riot  among  the  pris 
oners,  two  of  whom  escaped  in  the  confusion.  Ja 
quith  was  one  of  these,  and  he  has  not  yet  been 
retaken.  I  have  little  fear  of  his  attempting  fur 
ther  mischief  after  the  example  set  by  Master 
Rann.  That  worthy  gentleman  paid  the  penalty 
the  day  before  yesterday.  He  was  a  braggart  to 

the 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      215 

the  end,  walking  to  the  gibbet  in  a  pea-green  coat 
adorned  with  a  large  nosegay,  and  receiving  the 
homage  of  his  admirers.  I  wish  Jaquith  had  been 
in  his  place,  but  I  doubt  if  it  be  Jong  ere  he  is  re 
captured,  for  there  is  a  large  reward  upon  his 
head." 

"The  villain  will  not  return  here,"  said  David, 
after  he  had  finished  reading,  "he  would  not  dare 
to  do  it.  He  will  hide  in  England,  sinking  lower 
and  lower,  until  he  reaches  the  goal,  —  Tyburn 
Tree" 

"I  fear  so,"  said  Dorothy,  "but,  alas!  he  deserves 
it.  Let  us  speak  no  more  of  him,  for  it  is  not  a 
pleasant  subjecl." 

"So  be  it,"  said  David,  and  taking  his  wife's  hand 
he  added,  "  yet  I  deeply  regret  that  the  Province 
is  still  so  unsettled  that  His  Excellency  cannot 
return  to  enjoy  his  home." 
"I  have  misgivings  about  his  ever  returning," 
answered  Dorothy,  sadly.  '•'•Charles  knows  only  too 
well  the  temper  of  the  people,  and  he  tells  me 
that  the  time  is  near  when  we  shall  look  back  up 
on  these  days  as  the  most  peaceful  in  our  lives. 
Look  at  the  troops  as  they  march  and  drill  on 
the  green!  Watch  the  movements  of  the  men-of- 
war  in  the  harbour !  Things  grow  more  and  more 
significant,  and  can't  be  stopped  now  until  some 
thing  terrible  happens." 

"  I  fear  you  are  right,  Dorothy  dear.  But  we  must 
hope  for  the  best,  and  in  the  meanwhile  we  are 
happy." 

Some  evenings  later  they  were  seated  in  the  same 
room  when  David  suddenly  said,  "Listen!  Did 

you 


2i 6      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

you  hear  that  strange  noise?  It  seems  to  be  di 
rectly  under  us." 

"Yes,"  said  she,  "it  must  be  a  rat,  although  I 
have  never  heard  one  there  before." 
Taking  a  candle,  David  went  down  to  the  cellar. 
All  seemed  quiet,  and  after  having  examined  ev 
ery  corner,  as  he  was  starting  to  return  his  ear 
caught  a  grating  sound  in  the  masonry  toward 
the  eastern  side  of  the  house.  He  stopped  and  lis 
tened.  Again  he  heard  it  distinctly, — the  scrap 
ing  of  metal  against  the  stone-work.  He  crossed 
quietly  to  the  place  whence  it  seemed  to  come, 
and  bent  his  head  forward. 

"Strange!"  he  thought.  "What  can  it  be?  It  is 
below  the  floors  under  the  foundation." 
The  noise  suddenly  ceased,  and  he  thought  he 
heard  a  hollow  sound  like  receding  footsteps.  Fi 
nally  all  was  quiet  again. 

On  returning  to  the  parlour,  he  said,  "Probably 
a  rat.  Now  go  to  bed,  Dorothy  dear,  for  it  is  get 
ting  late.  I  wish  to  write  a  little,  so  I  will  remain." 
After  his  wife  was  gone  to  her  room,  David  cau 
tiously  descended  again.  He  made  a  mark  at  the 
place  whence  the  noise  had  issued,  and  then  aft 
er  waiting  a  short  time,  remounted  the  stairs. 
He  was  troubled  to  understand  what  could  make 
such  a  sound  under  the  house,  and  determined 
to  listen  the  next  night,  hoping  to  learn  some 
thing  more  definite. 

For  several  evenings  all  was  quiet,  and  they 
thought  no  more  about  the  occurrence.  But  on 
the  twenty-eighth  of  December,  as  David  was 
alone  reading  by  the  fire,  he  heard  the  same  grat 
ing 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      217 

ing  noise  underneath  him  that  had  disturbed  him 
before.  He  laid  down  his  book  and  listened. 
"I  had  forgotten  all  about  it,"  he  said  to  himself, 
"but  there  it  is  again." 

He  once  more  went  down  to  the  cellar.  This  time 
the  sound  came  from  beneath  the  floor,  louder 
and  more  distinct  than  on  the  previous  occasion. 
"I  don't  believe  in  spirits,"  he  thought,  uor  I 
should  say  this  house  was  haunted.  There  is  the 
same  scratching,  and  the  same  sound  of  receding 
footsteps  as  before.  It  may  be  some  underground 
spring,  however,  bubbling  up  and  then  running 
away.  At  all  events  I  will  not  speak  of  it  to  Doro 
thy  until  I  know  something  more  positive  than  I 
do  now." 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTER  XXX  VIII. 

<2#  Evening  may  be  difturbed. 

IT  was  now  New  Year's  Eve,  and  Charles 
had  promised  to  go  to  Milton  to  see  the  old 
year  out.  Accordingly,  just  one  year  from 
the  opening  of  our  story  in  the  White  Cock 
Tavern,  he  stole  down  to  the  harbour,  and  hav 
ing  secured  a  small  boat,  pulled  toward  the  Ne- 
ponset  River. 

As  he  rowed  along  he  thought  how  different  was 
his  errand  from  that  of  a  twelve-month  before. 
Then  his  heart  was  full  of  anger  against  the  Gov 
ernor,  while  now  he  was  on  his  way  to  his  house 
to  spend  a  few  happy  hours  there  with  his  sister 
and  her  husband.  He  wished  that  Mr.  Hutchinson 
could  be  there  too,  not  as  the  representative  of 
the  Crown,  but  as  the  kind,  honest,  generous 
gentleman,  whom  he  had  learned  to  Jove,  for  he 
had  become  one  of  the  few  Liberty  men  who  be 
lieved  him  sincere  and  true.  But  he  said  nothing 
of  this,  for  it  would  have  accomplished  little  but 
to  cast  discredit  upon  himself. 
The  night  was  cold,  and  the  exercise  of  rowing 
invigorated  him.  As  he  approached  the  bank  near 
the  Governor's  house  he  perceived  a  boat  hauled 
up  on  the  stony  beach.  He  thought  it  prudent  to 
land  at  some  distance  from  it,  wishing  to  escape 
observation;  so  drawing  into  a  little  creek  toward 
the  south,  he  proceeded  along  the  bank  in  search 
of  a  suitable  path  by  which  to  ascend. 

[218]  He 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      219 

He  had  gone  a  few  rods  when  two  figures  sud 
denly  appeared  as  if  coming  out  from  the  side  of 
the  hill.  After  rolling  several  large  stones  against 
the  bank,  which  they  covered  with  earth  and 
branches,  they  got  into  the  boat  and  rowed  away 
down  the  river. 

Charles  was  at  a  loss  to  know  what  it  all  meant; 
but  concluding  that  the  men  had  hidden  some 
ill-gotten  gain,  he  decided  to  wait  until  daylight, 
when,  with  David,  he  could  examine  the  place. 
He  had  just  started  up  the  bank  when  he  heard 
the  boat  turn  and  come  back  to  the  shore.  He 
crouched  down  behind  a  boulder  and  waited.  The 
men  landed  and  went  toward  the  place  whence 
he  had  seen  them  first  appear.  He  held  his  breath, 
for  he  was  not  more  than  a  rod  from  them,  being 
direclly  above  where  they  stood.  One  of  them  said 
in  a  low  tone,  "I  must  have  dropped  it  in  the 
passage.  What  a  fool  I  am!  I  must  have  it  again 
at  once.  Clear  away  the  entrance,  Pete,  and  lead 
the  way  with  a  torch." 

"This  is  a  risky  thing,  Mr.  Jaquith"  said  the  In 
dian.  "Some  one  may  see  us  if  we  linger  about 
here.  We've  cleared  the  end  of  the  passage  and 
all  we've  got  to  do  is  to  raise  the  stone  and  walk 
into  the  cellar,  and  we  don't  want  to  be  stopped 
now  all's  ready.  It's  nearly  ten  o'clock,  and  we 
have  agreed  to  be  back  here  at  midnight.  Can't 
you  wait  until  then?" 

"No!"  answered  the  other  angrily,  "I've  not 
broken  away  from  a  British  dungeon,  and  risked 
my  neck  to  come  all  this  distance  to  be  fright 
ened  by  this.  Do  as  I  say  or  you'll  get  nothing. 
It  won't  take  long,  and  there's  no  one  here." 

The 


22O      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

The  Indian  obeyed  with  an  oath,  and  soon  the 
branches,  earth,  and  stones  were  cleared  away. 
It  was  evident  to  Charles  that  Jaquith  had  suc 
ceeded  in  reaching  New  England  immediately  aft 
er  his  escape,  and  was  bent  on  business  which 
meant  no  good  to  Dorothy  and  David.  So  after  the 
two  men  had  disappeared  from  sight,  he  crept 
cautiously  down  the  bank  toward  the  opening. 
Peering  in  he  could  see  them  at  a  distance  of 
about  two  or  three  hundred  feet,  and  one  of  them 
was  stooping  down  as  if  in  search  of  something. 
He  was  convinced  that  there  must  be  a  subterra 
nean  way  leading  from  the  river  to  the  Govern 
or's,  but  how  it  had  come  there  he  could  not  im 
agine. 

Having  seen  all  he  could,  he  started  up  the  hill, 
and  was  soon  at  the  house. 
"You  are  late,"  said  his  sister,  "we  have  been 
waiting  for  you  for  more  than  an  hour." 
"I  was  detained  on  the  river.  It  was  cold  and 
my  hands  got  benumbed.  David,"  he  continued, 
"may  I  have  a  word  with  you?  It  is  a  matter  of 
business  which  won't  interest  you,  Dorothy,  so  if 
you'll  excuse  us,  dear,  we'll  go  to  the  study." 
"  Very  well,"  said  Dorothy,  smiling, "  only  be  back 
before  midnight,  for  I  have  made  punch  in  which 
to  drink  your  health,  and  that  of  His  Excellency 
and  of  Peggy  also." 

"Well,  Captain,"  said  David,  with  a  laugh,  as  he 
closed  the  door,  "what's  the  news?  I  suppose 
your  company  is  getting  a  thorough  drilling  these 
days." 

"Yes." 


'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      221 

"Yes,"  answered  Charles,  without  smiling,  "but 
it  isn't  of  that  I  want  to  speak  to  you.  There's 
something  going  on  which  requires  your  imme 
diate  attention.  Ezra  Jaquith  is  here,  and  he  and 
that  Indian  villain  are  trying  to  force  an  entrance 
into  your  house." 

"Ezra  Jaquith  !  It's  impossible  !  To  be  sure  he  has 
escaped,  but  how  could  he  get  here  so  soon?" 
"That  I  don't  know.  But  I  have  seen  him,  and 
heard  him  speak,  too,  so  I'm  sure  of  what  I  say ; " 
and  he  told  him  of  his  discovery.  "But  why  do 
you  start  so?"  he  said,  noticing  David's  strange 
expression. 

"  I  have  it ! "  said  the  latter,  rising.  "Those  sounds 
were  made  by  something  other  than  a  rat;"  and 
he  described  the  scraping  noises  in  the  cellar.  "I 
see  it  all  clearly  now,"  he  added.  "They  have 
found  this  passageway  and  are  intent  on  mischief, 
but  we'll  be  on  hand  to  meet  them.  You  say  they'll 
return  at  about  midnight  ?  We  might  have  them 
surprised  by  the  river,  but  I  think  we  can  man 
age  them  better  in  the  cellar  when  they  show 
themselves  there." 

They  returned  to  the  drawing-room  and  the  even 
ing  passed  pleasantly,  the  punch  was  drunk,  and 
the  absent  remembered  by  toasts.  Dorothy  then 
bade  them  good-night,  saying  she  wished  to  begin 
the  new  year  fresh  and  bright.  She  had  not  been 
gone  long  when  David  and  Charles  descended 
noiselessly  into  the  cellar,  and  David  soon  heard 
the  now  familiar  sound.  He  touched  his  com 
panion  lightly  on  the  shoulder  and  each  held 
his  breath  and  listened.  There  was  a  creaking  un 
der 


222      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

der  the  floor  as  if  some  heavy  weight  was  being 
moved.  Presently  the  earth  began  to  crumble,  and 
with  a  thud  the  stone  covering  fell  back. 
The  two  men  kept  perfectly  still,  concealed  by 
the  shadow,  but  they  could  see  a  form  emerge  from 
the  opening. 

"Give  me  your  hand,  Mr.  Jaquith"  whispered 
a  voice  from  below.  The  next  instant  a  sharp 
blow  from  Charles  struck  down  the  hand  that 
was  reached  up,  and  in  a  moment  a  sound  of  foot 
steps  was  heard  hurrying  down  the  passage. 
In  the  meanwhile  David  had  thrown  his  arms 
around  Ezra.  "A  light  quickly,"  he  called. 
Charles  made  one,  and  saw  before  him  the  face 
of  Ezra,  pale  and  terrified.  On  him  lay  David 
with  one  hand  on  his  throat. 
"Now,  Master  Ezra  Jaquith,  your  end  has  come. 
Of  all  the  despicable,  treacherous  scoundrels  this 
world  has  produced,  you  are  the  vilest.  Are  you 
not  about  weary  of  attempting  this  thing?  An 
swer  me!" 

"First  take  your  hand  from  my  throat.  You  are 
choking  me,"  gasped  Jaquith. 
"No!"  said  David,  with  a  mocking  laugh,  "I 
don't  trust  you.  If  you  can't  speak  as  you  are, 
we  will  forego  the  pleasure  of  hearing  you,  but," 
added  he,  suddenly,  "I  will  give  you  this  one 
chance  of  life.  Get  back  into  that  hole,  and  if  you 
can  reach  the  river  before  we  do,  you  escape  from 
us  this  time.  If  not,  Charles  and  I  will  be  there 
to  run  you  through.  This  is  your  last  chance." 
With  this  they  thrust  him  head-first  into  the 

opening. 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      223 

opening.  They  then  put  back  the  stone,  covering 
it  with  a  heavy  oaken  plank. 
"Now  to  the  river,"  said  David. 
But  when  they  arrived  they  heard  a  boat  being 
rowed  rapidly  away. 

"They're  off,  and  on  the  whole,  I'm  glad  of  it," 
said  David.  "He'll  never  trouble  us  again,  for 
he's  played  his  last  card.  Now  let's  stop  this  en 
trance.  To-morrow  we  will  explore  it,  and  then 
have  both  ends  walled  up,  never  to  be  re-opened, 
and  we'll  endeavour  to  forget  its  very  existence." 
"I  think  we  were  foolish  to  let  him  go,"  said 
Charles ',  "  but  perhaps  it  is  just  as  well,  for  I  don't 
think  he  will  dare  show  himself  again." 


CHAPTER 


CHAPTERXXXIX.SL, 

zrctf/£  <?  yourney  in  the  Dark. 

SO  accustomed  had  David  become  to 
strange  occurrences,  that  the  discovery 
of  the  subterranean  passage,  and  this  last 
and  probably  final  attempt  of  Jaquith 
had  less  effect  upon  him  than  upon  Charles.  The 
latter,  as  he  had  said,  was  sorry  that  they  had 
given  the  rascal  his  life  instead  of  ending  it  then 
and  there,  as  he  most  richly  deserved.  But  he 
had  yielded  to  what  he  considered  David's  bet 
ter  judgment,  and  Jaquith  had  been  let  go. 
They  both  felt  excited  at  the  prospects  of  their 
visit  to  the  passageway,  for  it  was  evident  to  them 
that  there  was  some  mystery  connected  with  it 
which  would  be  of  great  interest  were  it  possible 
to  probe  it.  It  was  absurd  to  suppose  that  Ezra 
and  the  Indian  dug  the  passage,  for  it  would  have 
been  the  labour  of  weeks.  It  therefore  seemed 
probable  that  it  had  been  there  for  some  time,  and 
that  its  existence  was  known  to  the  Indian,  from 
some  tradition  kept  secret  among  the  members  of 
his  tribe. 

After  breakfast  David  proposed  that  they  should 
go  down  to  the  river,  and  Charles  agreed  with 
alacrity,  for  he  was  impatient  to  examine  the 
scene  of  the  previous  night's  adventures.  Provid 
ing  themselves  with  a  lantern,  they  crossed  the 
fields.  By  following  the  foot-prints  of  the  night 
before,  they  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  the  en 
trance  to  the  passage. 

[224]  "Now 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      225 

"Now  we  shall  find  something  interesting,  I  feel 
sure,"  said  Charles,  as  he  pulled  away  the  first 
pieces  of  evergreen  from  the  opening.  "Have 
you  the  flint?  for  I  don't  desire  to  be  left  in  the 
dark.  The  passage  may  be  full  of  holes." 
"For  my  part,  I  don't  think  that  we'll  discover 
much  that  we  don't  know  already,"  answered  Da 
vid.  "It  looks  like  a  straight  path  dug  out  for  a 
purpose,  and  it  is  probable  that  it  was  used  by 
smugglers  a  hundred  years  ago.  What  place  could 
be  better  suited  for  them?  When  there  were  scarce 
ly  any  houses  here,  they  could  steal  up  the  river 
under  cover  of  night,  and  conceal  their  stuffs 
without  hindrance.  Nevertheless  we  will  go  in  and 
have  a  look  at  it." 

They  had  by  this  time  entirely  cleared  away  the 
entrance,  and  having  pulled  the  boughs  over  the 
opening  as  well  as  they  could,  they  crept  along 
carefully  for  a  short  distance,  and  then  lighted 
their  lantern. 

At  first  it  had  been  necessary  to  bend  their  heads, 
but  once  within,  they  were  surprised  to  find  that 
the  height  increased,  until  on  reaching  a  point 
about  two  hundred  feet  from  the  river  they  could 
not  touch  the  upper  part.  The  walls  were  of  a 
hard  yellow  clay,  with  here  and  there  a  project 
ing  rock.  Further  on  the  passage  again  became 
lower  and  narrower,  and  it  was  difficult  to  pro 
ceed.  This  lasted  for  some  fifty  feet  or  more,  and 
then  they  moved  on  comfortably  again  for  some 
time.  Then  David  stopped. 
"  How  far  do  you  think  we  have  been  ? "  he  asked. 
"I  have  counted  the  paces,  as  nearly  as  possible 

in 


226      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

in  so  uneven  a  place,"  answered  his  companion, 
"and  there  have  been  about  five  hundred  and 
twenty." 

"That's  about  what  I  thought,"  replied  the  oth 
er,  "and  as  it  is  only  about  four  hundred  from 
the  house  to  the  river,  where  are  we  ?  It  seems  to 
me  that  we're  going  too  far,  and  moreover  I  don't 
think  we  have  risen  two  rods  since  we  came  in, 
whereas  the  house  stands  at  least  six  rods  above 
the  river.  How  do  you  account  for  that?" 
"Either  we've  missed  some  turning,  or  we've 
made  a  mistake  in  our  calculations.  I  think  it 
must  be  the  latter,  for  there  can  be  but  one  way." 
"I  don't  agree  with  you  there.  I'm  sure  that  we've 
passed  beyond  the  house,  and  are  far  below  it. 
See!  This  part  is  different  from  the  first,  and 
doesn't  show  the  same  signs  of  having  been  late 
ly  visited.  Let  us  go  on  a  little  further  and  then 
turn  back,  for  the  air  is  bad,  notwithstanding  the 
draught  which  seems  to  come  from  some  open 
ing  ahead  of  us." 

"As  you  wish,"  answered  Charles,  "  but  I  hope  we 
may  discover  something  before  we  leave." 
For  some  minutes  more  they  went  on  without 
much  change  in  the  aspect  of  the  tunnel,  when 
suddenly  they  came  to  a  point  where  it  visibly 
divided  into  three  roads,  leading  in  different  di 
rections. 

"  We  have  come  upon  more  of  an  expedition  than 
we  anticipated,"  said  David,  as  he  looked  at  the 
three  passages.  "This  is  quite  interesting,  but  we 
mustn't  lose  our  way,  for  Dorothy  will  be  disap 
pointed  if  we  miss  dinner.  Shall  we  turn  back  or 


go  on? 


I 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      227 

"I  am  anxious  to  go  on,"  said  Charles,  "but  if 
you  think  best  we'll  return." 
"No,  we'll   try  one  of  these  passages.  Which 
shall  it  be?" 

"Let's  take  this  one,"  said  Charles,  turning  to 
the  right. 

They  did  so,  after  marking  the  spot,  and  were 
soon  amazed  to  find  themselves  ascending  rapid 
ly.  A  little  later  they  could  see  a  streak  of  sun 
light  above  them,  and  the  air  became  fresher. 
"I  am  glad  to  see  that  light,"  said  David,  looking 
up,  "but  I'm  not  sure  that  it  will  save  us  the 
trouble  of  going  back,  for  it  seems  to  be  well 
above  us.  Look!  What  is  this?  I  do  believe  it  is 
a  cave;  bring  the  lantern  this  way,  Charles,  and 
let's  examine  it.  Why!  there  are  steps  cut  in  the 
ledge,  which  lead  to  the  opening  above!  This 
place  must  have  a  history,  and  if  possible  we'll 
discover  what  it  is.  Let's  try  the  steps.  They  are 
small  and  rather  steep,  but  we  can  climb  them." 
Charles  set  down  the  lantern  and  followed  David, 
who  had  already  begun  the  ascent.  It  was  not  a 
great  distance  to  the  opening  above  them,  and 
they  reached  it  without  serious  difficulty.  It  was 
overgrown  with  shrubs  and  vines,  and  the  roots 
of  a  great  tree  projected  through  it.  It  must  have 
been  many,  many  years  since  anyone  had  passed 
through  it,  and  David,  who  had  at  first  shown 
much  indifference,  was  now  becoming  as  inter 
ested  as  his  companion. 

Descending  the  steps  they  re-entered  the  cave. 
It  was  not  more  than  ten  feet  square,  and  its  walls 
were  of  solid  rock.  Charles,  having  reached  the 

bottom, 


228      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

bottom,  took  the  lantern  and  crossed  to  the  oppo 
site  side.  The  next  moment  he  was  on  his  knees 
peering  into  an  opening. 

"Come  here,"  he  called  quickly  to  David.  "Did 
not  I  tell  you  that  we  would  find  something  in 
teresting?  and  here  it  is.  See!  This  hole  has  evi 
dently  been  used  at  some  past  time  as  a  storehouse, 
for  there  is  something  in  it  now.  Look!  David, 
can  you  see  it?  How  can  we  get  at  it?  I  can't 
reach  it." 

David  had  now  come  up  and  was  examining  the 
place  by  the  light  of  the  lantern.  "There  is  some 
thing  there,  that's  a  fact,"  he  said,  reaching  in  his 
hand.  "Wait  a  moment!  Now  I  have  it!  Just 
hold  the  light  nearer  a  minute.  I  believe  it  is  a 
sort  of  earthen  pot,"  he  added,  pulling  it  out. 
"Is  it  of  Indian  make,  do  you  think?"  asked 
Charles,  taking  it  and  looking  it  over. 
"I  fancy  so.  But  look,  it  has  letters  or  figures 
baked  into  it.  Can  you  make  them  out?  Wipe  it 
off,  and  we  can  readily  decipher  them." 
With  a  little  rubbing  the  letters  became  quite  dis 
tinct,  and  Charles  began  to  read  them.  They  were 
roughly  cut,  and  the  whole  thing  had  evidently 
been  made  by  an  unskilful  hand  from  the  clay 
about.  When  he  had  finished,  Charles  set  it  down 
and  looked  at  David  in  amazement. 
"This  must  be  some  hoax,"  said  he.  "I  don't  un 
derstand  it  all,  for  it  is  in  French,  but  the  date  is 
quite  plain.  Can  you  follow  me?"  and  he  read 
these  words: 

''''Bon  Dieu  ayez  p itie  de  moyl  Je  me  meurs.  Je  ne 
voie  plus  Jeannette  ny  petit  Pierre.  Mourir  ainsi, 

cest 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      229 

cest  tryste.  Yl  est  I'ete  de   1569.   Sy  quelquun 
trouve  cecy,  quyl  cherche  la  boyte" 
"Do  you  understand  it?"  asked  Charles,  after  he 
had  finished  reading. 

"I  understand  enough  to  know  that  someone  has 
put  it  here  to  make  a  sensation  if  it  were  ever 
found.  However,  we'll  find  that  box  if  it's  here. 
By  Heaven,"  he  cried,  as  he  succeeded  in  pulling 
it  out.  "Here  it  is!  It  does  look  old,  though," 
he  continued,  his  expression  changing.  "Can  you 
break  it  open?  Or  shall  we  take  it  with  us?  It's 
not  heavy." 

"If  we  can  climb  up  with  it,  well  and  good.  But 
if  not,  let's  open  it  here." 

"I  can  get  it  up  easily.  Come,  hang  the  lantern 
on  your  arm,  take  the  other  thing,  and  scramble 
up  after  me.  We  can  squeeze  through  there  and 
I  have  no  desire  to  go  all  the  way  back." 
With  some  difficulty  they  reached  the  opening 
and  by  the  aid  of  the  roots  and  vines  pulled  them 
selves  through  it.  They  then  found  themselves  on 
the  banks  of  a  little  stream  about  half  a  mile  from 
the  Governor's  house,  and  on  top  of  a  large  boul 
der.  David  now  knew  where  they  were,  and  they 
made  for  home. 

"We  look  rather  shabby,"  he  said,  first  examining 
Charles  and  then  himself.  "Dorothy  will  think 
that  we  have  been  rolling  in  the  river.  Who  would 
think  where  that  leads  to?"  added  he,  looking 
back.  "Simply  a  little  hole  in  the  ground,  which 
no  one  would  attempt  to  enter.  Come  on!  We 
will  look  into  the  box  after  dinner." 

In 


230      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

In  the  afternoon  they  retired  to  the  Governor's 
study,  where  they  had  hidden  their  relics.  The 
box  was  made  of  metal,  but  was  small  and  easily 
handled.  It  took,  however,  much  labour  to  open 
it,  and  when  this  was  accomplished  they  were 
greatly  disappointed.  Charles  had  visions  of  gold 
and  precious  stones,  and  David  of  some  docu 
mentary  evidence  of  the  authenticity  of  the  pot 
and  its  pathetic  inscription.  But  it  apparently 
contained  nothing  but  dust. 
"This  is  a  fine  ending  to  our  romantic  discov 
ery,"  said  David,  laughing.  "I'm  glad  we've  told 
no  one  of  it.  Let's  empty  out  the  dust,  and  hide 
the  old  box  where  it  won't  betray  us." 
"  I  must  say  I'm  disappointed,"  said  Charles,  rath 
er  crestfallen.  "And  yet  I  can't  believe  that  we've 
been  wholly  taken  in.  There  is  something  very 
mysterious  in  this  whole  affair.  There,  I  have 
turned  out  the  dust.  Ah!"  he  exclaimed,  "what 
is  this  at  the  bottom?  As  I  live  it's  a  small  piece 
of  parchment.  Perhaps  we've  found  something 
after  all." 

He  picked  the  parchment  up  and  turned  it  over. 
With  an  exclamation  of  surprise  they  both  began 
to  examine  it. 

"It  looks  old  enough,"  said  David,  "and  it  is 
certainly  ingenious." 

"It's  more  than  that,"  replied  Charles,  seriously. 
"I  am  sure  it  is  genuine.  But  I  see  you  don't 
agree  with  me.  However,  are  you  willing  to  lis 
ten  to  what  is  written  here,  if  I  can  make  it  out  ? " 
"Yes,  and  to  be  convinced  by  it  if  possible,  but 
it  won't  be  easy  to  deceive  me,"  replied  David. 

"I 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      231 

"I  am  not  easily  taken  in  myself,"  said  Charles, 
half  annoyed  at  his  companion's  disbelief.  "You 
translate  as  I  read  and  you'll  find  there's  some 
thing  in  it."  David  listened  patiently  while 
Charles  struggled  to  read  the  old  parchment.  "I 
can't  understand  it,"  said  he,  after  a  time;  "all 
I  can  make  out  is  something  about  a  man  named 
De  Foix.  The  French  is  so  bad  that  I  am  con 
vinced  no  Frenchman  ever  wrote  it.  I  wish  I  could 
translate  it,  for  I  can't  give  up  the  idea  that  there 
is  something  in  it.  However,  we'll  put  it  back  in 
the  box  for  the  present,  if  you  say  so." 
"By  all  means,"  said  David,  and  added,  as  he  saw 
his  companion's  look  of  disappointment,  "I'll  tell 
you  what  I'll  do;  if  I  ever  have  a  son,  he  shall  open 
the  box  when  five-and-twenty  years  of  age,  and 
try  to  read  it.  His  son  shall  do  the  same,  and  so 
on  until  this  thing  is  proved.  Such  a  transmitten- 
dum  will  be  quite  interesting." 
With  this  they  closed  the  box,  and  David  took 
possession  of  it. "  Now  we'll  get  Ferguson  to  block 
up  the  entrance  by  the  river.  We  will  make  him 
promise  not  to  speak  of  it  about  here,  and  there 
is  no  use  in  worrying  Dorothy  with  the  story." 


CHAPTER 


Several  Gen- 
under/land  One 
Another  better  than  Before. 


1 


•^  O  W  ARD  the  end  of  March,  1  7  7  5  ,  the 
Colonists  were  still  waiting  for  the 
British  to  fire  the  shot  which  should 
warn  them  that  the  time  for  action 
was  at  hand.  Every  town  in  Massachusetts  had 
organized  its  militia,  and  the  minute-men  were 
in  readiness  for  the  signal  to  start  forward  in  the 
struggle  for  their  liberties. 

Among  all  the  patriots  none  was  more  earnest 
and  self-sacrificing  than  Charles  Doddridge,  now 
Captain  of  a  Militia  Company  which  he  drilled 
every  day.  He  had  sold  his  father's  house,  and 
having  given  Dorothy  her  portion,  had  devoted 
his  to  the  maintenance  of  his  company,  reserving 
only  the  little  that  was  absolutely  necessary  for 
his  wants.  He  was  sorry  that  David  would  not 
join  him  in  his  efforts  to  free  their  country,  but 
was  satisfied  that  he  was  acting  according  to  his 
convictions  and  was  glad  that  he  was  not  actively 
hostile. 

David  and  Dorothy  had  left  Milton  and  gone  to 
Boston,  for  the  citizens  had  discovered  that  Da 
vid  was  a  Tory,  and  he  felt  that  he  ought  not  to 
endanger  the  Governor's  property  by  remaining 
on  it.  He  thought  it  possible  that  some  hothead 
might  take  a  fancy  to  annoy  them  by  destroying 
parts  of  the  estate. 

Young  "Thomas  Hutchinson  was  also  in  Boston  un 

der  the  protection  of  the  British  troops,  and  they 

[232]  saw 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      233 

saw  much  of  him.  But  he  was  unlike  his  father; 
so  much  so  that  David  could  not  always  agree 
with  him.  That  he  should  have  little  or  no  affec 
tion  for  his  native  Province  seemed  strange,  and 
Whittemore  feared  there  was  a  touch  of  selfish 
ness  in  it.  Captain  Fairweather  was  an  English 
man,  born  and  bred  in  Devon,  and  it  was  natural 
that  he  should  think  his  government  all  right, 
and  the  Colonists  all  wrong.  But  David  loved  his 
countrymen  and  could  not  understand  that  any 
one  should  have  other  feelings  than  those  of  solici 
tude  and  pity  for  them.  So  he  avoided  as  far  as 
possible  all  political  discussions  with  young  Hutch- 
inson.  With  Captain  Fairweather  it  was  different. 
They  understood  each  other,  and  respected  each 
other's  opinions. 

One  evening  toward  the  end  of  March,  Fair- 
weather  was  supping  with  him,  and  after  the  re 
past  was  finished  they  retired  to  enjoy  the  pleas 
ures  of  tobacco. 

"  I  suppose,"  said  David,  "that  you  will  be  obliged 
to  array  yourself  against  my  poor  misguided  coun 
trymen  before  many  weeks  are  over.  Why  could 
not  the  government  heed  the  prayers  and  warn 
ings  of  His  Excellency  and  repeal  the  Port  Bill? 
It  is  indeed  oppressive,  and  only  tends  to  exas 
perate  the  people." 

"That  may  be  true,  but  I  think  these  laws  are 
necessary  under  existing  circumstances.  The  idea 
of  the  Liberty  men  is  that  the  Colonists  have 
given  to  the  government  support  in  war  and 
peace  without  adequate  return;  that  driven  from 
the  mother  country  they  have  fostered  and  brought 

to 


234      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

to  manhood  a  great  Colony  which  they  have  pre 
sented  to  the  Crown  gratuitously.  We  do  not 
agree  to  this.  We  hold  that  they  owe  all  to  the 
mother  country,  which  has  made  it  possible  for 
them  to  live;  that  she  has  protected  them  against 
foreign  invasion  and  from  internal  strife;  and  that 
they  must  submit  to  her  will.  We  have  tried  to 
conciliate  them,  but  they  have  spurned  our  over 
tures.  What  then  can  they  expect  but  to  be  treated 
as  rebels  and  outlaws?  Mr.  Whittemore,  I  respect 
your  feelings,  and  know  that  you  have  been  faith 
ful  and  obedient  to  the  laws,  but  I  cannot  agree 
with  you  in  this.  I  should  much  prefer,  however, 
to  fight  the  French  or  Spanish,  for  I  could  see 
them  shot  with  a  better  relish  than  those  of  my 
own  flesh  and  blood.  But  the  Colonists  will  not 
fight.  When  it  comes  to  that  they  will  yield." 
"Don't  deceive  yourself.  They  will  fight.  Charles 
Doddrige  is  a  fine  specimen  of  a  patriot,  and  there 
are  others  like  him.  He  will  never  submit.  He 
gives  his  whole  life  to  what  he  thinks  his  duty, 
and  even  you  must  respect  him  for  it." 
"So  much  so  that  I  would  gladly  take  his  hand 
were  he  here  to-night.  I  have  heard  much  of  him 
from  you  and  Mr.  Hutchinson,  and  I  like  an  hon 
est  foe.  But  they  are  not  all  like  him.  There  are 
men  like  Hancock  and  Adams ',  mere  rebels  and  se 
dition  breeders,  who  will  soon  go  to  England  to 
pay  the  penalty  of  their  crimes.  I  shall  go  in 
search  of  them  before  long,  unless  instructions 
are  changed." 

"There  again  the  government  is  wrong,"  an 
swered  David  quietly,  "and  I  hope  you  will  not 

have 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      235 

have  to  attempt  it.  I  think,  however,"  he  con 
tinued,  turning  toward  the  door,  "that  if  you 
meant  what  you  said  about  my  brother  Charles 
you  will  now  have  the  opportunity  of  meeting 
him,  for  I  hear  his  voice." 

At  this  he  left  the  room,  returning  shortly  with 
Doddridge.  "Captain  Fairweafher,"  said  the  lat 
ter,  "you  have  been  a  faithful  friend  to  David 
and  my  sister,  and  I  thank  you  for  it." 
"And  /  thank  you"  replied  Fairweather,  "for 
taking  me  so  cordially  by  the  hand.  May  our 
meetings  always  be  as  pleasant." 
"I  say  'Amen'  to  that,"  said  David,  "God  grant 
that  it  may  be  so." 

"Have  you  heard  anything  of  Jaquith  since  we 
last  saw  him? "  continued  Charles,  turning  toward 
David. 

"Nothing  at  all,"  said  he.  "Why  do  you  ask?" 
"Because  I  saw  that  villainous  Indian  skulking 
about  Long  Wharf  to-day,  and  he  and  Ezra  were 
inseparable.  Captain  Fairweather  knows  your 
story,  no  doubt?" 

"Yes,"  said  the  Captain,  "and  I  trust  you  are 
rid  of  him.  He  belonged  to  no  party  but  his  own, 
and  was  a  dangerous  man.  But  I  must  now  say 
good-night  to  Mrs.  Whittemore  and  be  gone,  for 
we  have  early  hours  at  the  barracks.  If  all  patriots 
are  like  you,"  he  added,  taking  Charles 's  hand, 
"we  shall  have  foemen  worthy  of  our  steel,  if  in 
an  unhappy  event  we  are  obliged  to  use  it." 


CHAPTER 


r^U  A  PHPtTD      VI    T     ^»    which   Several 
^tl/\ir     1  ILK    J^Ljl.  ships  fet   Sail  for 

the  peaceful  Dominions  of  His  Moft  Gracious  Majefty, 


1 


s,  the  weeks,  the  months  rolled 
on.  Lexington,  Concord,  and  Bunker 
Hill  had  been  fought;  Franklin  had 
returned  to  America;  General  Gage 
had  been  superseded  by  William  Howe;  General 
Washington  had  come  on  to  Cambridge  and  taken 
formal  command  of  the  army;  and  the  war  had 
begun  in  earnest. 

David  and  Dorothy  were  still  in  Boston,  and  Charles 
was  with  his  company  outside  its  limits,  patient 
ly  awaiting  the  evacuation  of  the  town  by  the 
British  troops. 

It  was  the  night  of  the  fourth  of  March,  1776, 
and  the  people  of  the  surrounding  towns  were 
preparing  for  that  great  stroke  which  was  to  be 
a  turning-point  in  the  history  of  the  struggle.  The 
citizens  of  Milton  were  among  the  most  active, 
and  when  on  that  dark  night  a  silent  procession 
of  men  and  ox-teams,  laden  with  all  that  was 
necessary  for  the  fortifying  and  provisioning  of 
Dorchester  Heights,  stole  over  the  Neck,  the  Voses, 
Babcocks,  andTuckers,  led  by  James  Boies,  turned 
out  to  do  the  work.  With  them  were  Captain  Dod- 
dridge  and  his  company. 

Not  many  days  after  this,  Captain  Fairweather, 
excited  and  breathless,  rushed  in  upon  David  and 
Dorothy.  "I  have  but  a  moment,"  he  gasped. 
"  Get  together  such  effects  as  you  can  and  drive 
[236]  to 


The  GOVERNOR'S  GARDEN.      237 

to  the  Point,  where  a  barge  will  be  waiting  to  take 
you  and  all  who  are  loyal,  to  the  ships.  We  must 
leave  the  town."  He  did  not  wait  for  an  answer, 
but  hurried  back  to  his  post. 
On  the  seventeenth  of  March  the  British  troops 
left  Boston,  and  twenty  vessels  dropped  from  the 
Castle  through  the  King's  Road,  to  join  the  fleet 
of  packets,  transports,  and  men-of-war  awaiting 
them  in  Nantasket  Harbour .  On  the  packet  "  Lord 
Hyde"  was  young  Thomas  Hutchinson  and  his  fam 
ily;  and  on  an  other  vessel  David  and  Dorothy;  all 
awaiting  the  signal  to  set  sail  for  England.  Nearly 
a  thousand  souls  had  left  the  town  with  the  evac 
uating  troops,  preferring  to  give  up  all  their  earth 
ly  goods  rather  than  abandon  their  allegiance  to 
the  Crown,  and  we  can  but  admire  the  devotion  of 
those  who  sacrificed  so  much  for  loyalty.  Their 
sufferings,  on  those  small  packets,  were  great.  The 
winter  had  been  extremely  bitter,  and  the  March 
winds  whistled  through  the  rigging  sending  a  chill 
through  every  heart.  Depressed,  half-fed,  and  full 
of  foreboding  for  the  future,  their  situation  was  a 
wretched  one. 

Upwards  of  two  weeks  did  David  and  Dorothy 
wait  in  Nantasket  Roads,  listening  to  the  booming 
of  cannon,  and  at  night  watching  the  camp-fires 
on  the  hills  about  the  town.  Their  thoughts  were 
on  each  side  of  the  broad  ocean;  with  the  Gov 
ernor  and  Peggy  in  London;  with  Charles  in  Bos 
ton.  For  the  latter  they  felt  great  anxiety,  know 
ing  that  he  would  not  shun  danger. 
As  they  passed  down  the  harbour  they  looked 
longingly  towards  Milton  Hill.  The  days  passed 

there 


238      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

there  had  been  the  happiest  in  their  lives,  and  now 
the  house  and  gardens  were  to  be  given  over  to 
those  who  would  care  little  for  them  except  as 
barracks  for  troops.  They  prayed  that  Charles 
might  be  stationed  there,  for  he  would  be  sure  to 
protect  the  place  from  the  lawlessness  of  the 
soldiery. 

For  several  days  and  nights  before  the  squadron 
set  sail,  the  scene  looking  toward  Boston  and  the 
harbour  had  been  sadly  grand.  Now  suddenly  as 
they  stood  upon  the  deck  the  flames  burst  forth 
from  the  Castle,  reaching  far  up  into  the  heavens, 
showing  the  surrounding  country  by  its  red  and 
flickering  light.  At  last,  with  an  explosion  that 
shook  the  very  waters  around  them,  the  whole 
structure  was  hurled  aloft,  belching  forth  fire  and 
molten  rock,  like  sea-bound  Stromboli  signalling 
her  sisters.  Little  did  the  British  troops  realize 
that  by  this  sinister/"^  de  joie  they  were  celebra 
ting  in  anticipation  the  deliverance  of  the  Colo 
nies. 

After  a  rough  passage,  with  much  discomfort  and 
some  sickness,  the  packets  reached  their  destina 
tions.  That  upon  which  David  and  Dorothy  had 
sailed  went  to  Falmouth  on  the  coast  of  Cornwall. 
The  beautiful  harbour  was  filled  with  shipping, 
men-of-war,  and  cutters,  the  latter  moving  about 
restlessly;  for  in  those  days  the  shores  were  in 
fested  with  pirates,  and  at  night  the  signal-fires 
could  be  seen  on  the  hill-tops,  warning  those  on 
the  opposite  shore  of  the  movements  of  the  King's 
ships. 

David 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      239 

David  and  Dorothy  went  to  a  small  Inn  overlook 
ing  the  waters  of  the  harbour.  In  the  forenoon 
they  had  strolled  out  into  the  narrow  streets,  but 
being  somewhat  fatigued  Dorothy  had  returned  to 
the  Inn,  and  gone  to  her  room.  David,  however, 
was  restless,  so  he  walked  toward  the  water  at  the 
south  side  of  the  town.  There  he  seated  himself 
on  one  of  the  benches,  and  looked  out  over  the 
Channel,  thinking  that  after  all  he  should  be  hap 
py,  for  he  had  Dorothy  with  him,  and  cared  not  for 
the  world  so  long  as  that  was  so. 
The  air  was  soft,  and  he  became  drowsy  as  he  sat 
there,  dreaming  of  all  that  had  happened  in  the 
last  few  years,  when  he  was  suddenly  awakened 
by  a  pressure  on  his  arm,  which  caused  him  to 
spring  from  his  seat.  Before  him  stood  a  young 
man,  evidently  a  sailor,  who  touching  his  cap  re- 
speclfully,  said,  "Excuse  my  disturbing  you,  Sir, 
but  the  Captain  would  like  to  speak  with  you,  if 
you  will  follow  me.  He  says  it  is  important  that 
he  should  see  you." 

"The  Captain  of  the  packet?"  answered  David, 
arousing  himself.  "Where  is  he?  I  will  most  cer 
tainly  speak  with  him." 

"Not  the  Captain  of  the  packet,  Sir,"  answered 
the  young  man.  "The  Captain  of  the  brig.  He 
said  not  to  mention  his  name,  but  that  you  would 
know  it,  because  you  are  old  friends." 
"  Captain  Peasely! "  exclaimed  David,  with  a  look 
of  surprise. 

"Hush,"  said  the  man  in  a  whisper,  "don't  say 
that  name  so  loud,  Sir.  He  does  not  wish  it  known 
he  is  here,  for  there  is  a  good  sum  on  his  head." 
"I'll  follow  you  then.  Lead  the  way." 

The 


240      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

The  man  passed  along  the  shore  through  two  rows 
of  tall  trees,  whose  interlacing  branches  formed 
a  green  tunnel  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 
Then  he  turned,  and  going  round  a  hill  stopped 
near  the  shore,  in  the  shadow  of  a  high  cliff. 
There  he  gave  two  shrill  whistles,  and  in  a  mo 
ment  Peasely  appeared. 

"Captain  Peasely"  said  David  in  amazement, 
"how  do  you  happen  to  be  here?  and  how  did 
you  know  where  I  was?  Do  you  want  anything 
of  me?" 

"  I  have  risked  my  head  to  have  a  word  with  you, 
Sir,"  answered  the  Captain.  "You  are  being 
tracked,  Mr.  Whittemore^  and  your  life's  in  dan 
ger.  Listen,  and  then  you'll  see  that  I'm  right." 


CHAPTER 


CAPTAIN  PEASELT  seated  himself 
on  a  neighbouring  rock;  and  com 
posed  himself  to  what  was  evidently 
to  be  a  Jong  narrative.  "After  leaving 
you  near  Tar  mouth  a  year  and  a  half  ago,"  he  be 
gan,  "  I  went  down  the  French  coast  to  try  my  for 
tunes  until  it  was  time  to  return  for  you  as  I'd 
promised.  This  I  did,  and  waited  about  for  you  for 
over  two  weeks;  and  then  giving  you  up,  set  sail 
for  America.  It  was  in  February  last  that  I  sailed 
into  Casco  Bay,  and  after  dropping  anchor,  went 
ashore  to  get  some  provisions.  It  was  late,  and  as 
I  went  into  an  Inn  on  the  water's  edge  to  get  a 
glass  of  spirits,  my  attention  was  attracted  to  two 
men  seated  in  the  corner,  and  talking  together 
earnestly.  I  pretended  not  to  hear  what  they  said, 
and  in  fact  was  not  at  all  interested  in  it  until  I 
heard  your  name  mentioned." 
"Heard  my  name  mentioned!"  interrupted  Da 
vid.  "What  do  you  mean?" 
"I  mean  what  I  say.  As  I  heard  it  I  turned  my 
head,  and  saw  that  the  man  who  was  speaking 
was,  or  looked  like,  an  Indian.  He  was  saying, 
'Mr.  Whittemore  is  now  shut  up  with  his  wife  in 
Boston,  but  I'll  watch  him,  Captain  Carpenter. 
You  hover  about  the  Bay,  and  be  here  every  few 
days,  and  I  will  keep  you  informed.  Mr.  Jaquith 
has  never  turned  up,  but  you  and  I  have  enough 
[241]  against 


242      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

against  Mr.  Whittemore,  and  we  will  settle  his 
case  when  we  get  him.'  'You're  right!'  said  the 
other.  '  You  keep  me  informed,  and  if  we  catch 
him  we  will  take  him  back  to  the  d — d  island.' 
I  determined  to  watch  Casco  Harbour,  so  I  kept 
outside  for  a  long  while,  going  on  shore  to  the 
Inn  every  day.  Finally  one  evening  I  saw  my  men 
again.  Carpenter  had  not  seen  me  when  we  took 
the  brig  from  him,  so  I  had  no  fear  from  that 
quarter.  The  Indian  was  talking  again,  and  I 
heard  him  say,  'They  leave  Boston  in  a  few  days 
for  England,  on  the  packet  Tork.  They  are  now 
lying  in  the  Roads.  Go  down  and  we'll  follow, 
and  if  we  get  the  Tork  alone  we  can  fix  her.  If 
we  don't  manage  it  at  sea,  I'll  be  hanged  if  we 
don't  catch  'em  after  they  land.'  I  went  back  to 
my  brig  and  made  for  Nantasket.  When  your 
packet  got  under  way  I  was  near  by,  but  I  dared 
not  show  myself.  No  more  did  I  dare  give  battle 
to  Carpenter  in  the  wake  of  all  those  vessels.  But 
I  watched  him  follow  you  across  the  ocean.  He 
has  seen  you  go  into  Falmouth  Harbour,  and  has 
kept  on  to  Plymouth,  where  he  is  lying  in  wait 
for  you.  This  is  why  I've  sent  for  you." 
David  listened  attentively,  and  as  Peasely  went 
on  with  his  story  his  brow  contracted.  "What 
do  you  think  they  intend  doing?"  he  asked  at 
last. 

"I  think,"  replied  the  other,  "that  they  mean  to 
lie  in  wait  for  you  as  you  pass  through  Plymouth, 
and  if  possible  kill  you,  and  carry  off  your  wife. 
I  advise  you  not  to  go  that  way,  but  to  come  with 
me.  Now,  this  is  what  I  wish  to  do  for  you.  Come 

on 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      243 

on  the  brig,  and  we'll  take  you  both  to  London 
safely." 

Whittemore  hesitated  a  moment,  and  then  said 
with  warmth,  "I  thank  you  sincerely,  Captain 
Peasely,  and  I  accept  your  offer,  for  I  can't  allow 
Mrs.  Whittemore  to  be  exposed  to  further  dan 
ger,  though  I  should  like  to  put  an  end  to  that 
rascal  Carpenter" 

"Perhaps  I  shall  have  a  chance  to  do  that  for  you," 
answered  Peasely.  "Be  here  to-night,  Sir,"  added 
he,  "and  I  will  meet  you  and  take  you  both  on 
board  the  brig." 

"I  wish  you  were  in  a  better  trade,  for  you've 
a  good  heart,"  said  David,  giving  him  his  hand. 
"Can  I  do  nothing  to  repay  you  for  this?  I'll 
ask  Governor  Hutchinson  to  intercede  for  you  if 
you  wish  to  give  up  your  trade  for  a  more  hon 
est  one." 

"No! "  answered  the  pirate,  "I  must  live  and  die 
as  I  am;  I  can't  give  it  up." 
As  David  went  back  under  the  trees  to  his  Inn 
he  was  much  troubled.  It  seemed  to  him  that  he 
was  destined  to  be  pursued  wherever  he  went,  and 
had  it  not  been  for  Dorothy ',  he  would  not  have 
hesitated  to  go  straight  through  Plymouth,  and 
take  his  chances.  But  under  the  circumstances  he 
felt  that  he  had  done  right  in  determining  to  go 
on  the  Dreadnaught  direct  to  London,  where  they 
eventually  arrived  in  safety. 


CHAPTER 


Reader. 


Wherein  London 

.  lsre_vifltedbythe 


IT  was  now  the  end  of  May,  and  Governor 
Hutchinson  had  been  in  London  for  two  long 
years.  He  had  left  the  small  house  in  Golden 
Square,  and  had  removed  to  a  more  spa 
cious  one  in  St.  James  Street,  where,  when  David 
and  Dorothy  reached  London,  he  was  installed  with 
his  family  and  their  retinues,  comprising  in  all 
twenty-five  persons.  Even  this  house  was  small, 
and  the  refugees  had  to  put  up  with  many  dis 
comforts. 

He  had  come  to  England  hoping  to  influence  the 
King  and  his  ministers  by  urging  the  repeal  or 
mitigation  of  laws  which,  in  his  sagacity,  he  knew 
were  fanning  the  flame  of  discontent  in  the  Col 
onies,  and  from  his  first  interview  with  George 
///.,  he  had  spoken  his  mind  freely  and  coura 
geously,  though  by  so  doing  he  had  undoubtedly 
thrown  away  his  chance  of  returning  to  his  post 
in  Massachusetts. 

That  he  was  shunned  in  England  (as  has  been  said) 
is  false,  for  he  had  been  well,  even  honourably 
received  by  all.  He  had  been  offered  titles,  had 
been  made  a  Doctor  of  Laws  by  Oxford  Universi 
ty^  and  had  been  granted  an  allowance  by  the 
Crown  which  would  have  been  ample  for  the 
maintenenance  of  himself  and  his  daughter.  But 
now  he  was  shorn  of  all  his  property  in  America, 
and  as  his  son  Thomas  with  his  family,  together 
with  others  of  his  relatives  and  friends,  had  been 
[244]  driven 


His  Most  Gracious  Majesty 
GEORGE  III. 


The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      245 

driven  from  their  homes,  he  was  obliged  to  support 
them  all.  But  it  was  with  a  cheerful,  patient  heart 
that  he  did  so,  his  only  thought  being  for  their 
comfort  and  prosperity. 

Mr.  Hutchinson  was  a  victim  of  circumstances,  and 
as  his  acts  had  been  viewed  with  suspicion  by  the 
patriots  when  he  upheld  the  laws  of  Parliament, 
so  when  he  espoused  the  cause  of  the  Colonies 
after  his  arrival  in  England,  he  was  considered  an 
unsafe  person  to  put  in  control  of  a  great  Prov 
ince.  Great  was  the  inconsistency  of  George  III., 
and  his  ministers,  in  their  course  towards  the 
Americans!  They  sent  supposed  friends  to  give 
them  battle,  and  placed  in  the  executive  chairs 
their  most  bitter  enemies.  If  Thomas  Hutchinson 
and  the  two  Howes  had  been  given  the  reins  of 
government,  and  some  of  the  governors  had  been 
made  generals  and  admirals,  the  chances  for  a 
reconciliation  would  have  been  better. 
When  we  analyze  Governor  Hutchinson  s  feelings, 
we  find  that  his  love  for  New  England  and  Mil 
ton  were  even  stronger  than  his  loyalty  to  his 
King.  The  former  sprung  from  the  depths  of 
his  heart;  the  latter  from  his  devotion  to  duty. 
He  prayed  constantly  for  the  deliverance  of  his 
country,  but  thought  that  it  could  come  only 
by  obedience  to  the  laws  whose  burden  would  in 
time  be  so  lightened  that  the  mother  country  and 
the  Colonies  could  live  in  peaceful  harmony.  The 
idea  of  the  deliverance  that  was  really  in  store  for 
them  never  occurred  to  him. 
So  it  was  that  in  the  summer  of  1 776  he  was  still 
waiting  for  the  time  when  he  could  return  to  those 

dear 


246      The   GOVERNOR'S   GARDEN. 

dear  scenes.  Peggy  was  waiting  too,  but  the  three 
sons  foresaw  that  their  father  would  never  go  back 
again.  They  did  not  care  much  for  the  land  from 
which  they  had  been  exiled,  save  that  they  had  left 
all  their  worldly  goods  there,  thereby  being  forced 
to  depend  upon  the  Governor  for  support.  And 
it  was  "Stingy  Tommy"  as  Mr.  Hutchinson  was 
called  by  some  of  his  Boston  neighbours,  who  took 
them  in,  with  many  of  the  other  refugees  who  were 
now  coming  to  London.  These  people  scattered 
themselves  sooner  or  later  over  all  parts  of  the 
Kingdom,  and  even  sought  their  homes  on  the 
continent. 

Most  of  these  were  in  hard  straits,  but  some  had 
been  more  prudent,  foreseeing  what  might  come 
to  them,  and  had  made  provision  for  any  unex 
pected  occurrence.  David  Whittemore  was  one  of 
the  latter,  and  he  had  remitted  to  London  a  year 
before  such  of  his  funds  as  were  available  for  that 
purpose.  He  and  his  wife  were  constant  visitors 
at  the  Governor's,  joining  him  often  in  his  excur 
sions.  They  were  presented  to  Their  Majesties  and 
occasionally  went  to  levees  and  routs  of  the  no 
bility,  but  in  these  things  they  took  less  interest 
than  the  majority  of  the  refugees.  They  were 
very  content  in  their  quiet  home  life.  They  were 
happy,  for  they  were  unmolested. 


CHAPTER 


which  His  Ex- 

•  cellency  takes  ahng- 
er  yourney  than  any  he  has  hitherto  attempted. 

ON  the  third  of  June,  1780,  the  bent 
figure  of  an  old  man  stood  leaning 
against  the  casement  of  a  window 
overlooking  Sackville  Street.  His  face 
was  care-worn  and  pinched,  and  the  hacking 
cough  which  came  with  difficulty  shook  the  frail 
frame,  sending  a  flush  to  the  withered  cheeks.  As 
he  looked  out  upon  the  great  city  he  could  see 
the  flames  belching  forth  from  above  the  houses, 
and  hear  the  shouts  of  the  rioters,  as  they  rushed 
through  the  streets  on  their  errand  of  murder  and 
pillage.  The  cry  of  "  No  Popery  "  would  now  and 
again  reach  his  ears,  as  some  fanatic  rushed  by  un 
der  the  window  waving  a  blue  banner,  and  wear 
ing  a  blue  streamer  in  his  hat. 
This  was  the  beginning  of  the  Gordon  Riots, 
and  London  was  given  over  to  the  mob,  which, 
joined  by  all  the  desperadoes  surrounding  the 
city,  was  wreaking  destruction  wherever  its  mad 
flight  carried  it. 

The  old  Governor,  for  it  was  he,  saw  all  this  with 
a  heavy  heart.  He  had  aged  visibly  since  Peggy 
and  his  youngest  son  Billy  had  faded  from  his 
sight, and  it  seemed  to  him  that  there  was  no  rest 
on  earth.  As  he  stood  there  he  prayed  that  he 
might  go  in  peace  to  join  his  children  who  were 
now  out  of  the  reach  of  all  worldly  troubles  and 
lay  sleeping  in  Croydon  churchyard.  "God's  will 
be  done,"  he  said.  "I  have  loved  and  been  be- 
[247]  loved; 


248      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

loved;  I  have  been  honoured  and  respected.  Why 
should  I  have  suffered  all  this?  Why  could  not  I 
have  lived  in  peace,  free  from  the  cares  of  state, 
in  the  happy  love  of  my  children,  amidst  the  flow 
ers  and  trees  of  my  garden,  with  the  beautiful  riv 
er  and  the  Blue  Hills  to  look  upon?  Alas!  Shall 
I  ever  see  them  now?  God  knows,  and  may  He 
will  it  that  I  rest  my  weary  head  in  Milton.'" 
There  was  a  light  footstep  behind  him,  and  a  gen 
tle  hand  was  laid  on  his  arm.  "  Your  Excellency," 
said  the  sweet  voice  of  Dorothy,  "I  have  brought 
your  little  namesake  to  see  you.  Is  not  my  boy 
fairer  to  look  upon  than  those  wild  scenes  with 
out?  He  knows  you,  dear  Sir.  See  how  he  puts 
out  his  little  hands  to  you.  Take  him,  and  leave 
those  angry  sights,  for  his  sweet  smile." 
The  Governor  stretched  out  his  arms  and  took 
the  babe  tenderly.  "Ah!  What  a  ray  of  sunshine 
he  is,  Dorothy  dear,  and  what  a  comfort  you  are 
to  me!  I  try  not  to  look  upon  those  scenes  with 
out,  but  what  has  my  life  been,  but  one  long  tu 
mult?  But  you  and  yours  will  stay  with  me,  will 
you  not?  And  Master  Thomas  Hutchinson  Whit- 
temore  will  grow  up  to  love  me?  I  should  be  con 
tent,  I  should  be  content." 
He  looked  down  upon  the  child,  and  the  tears 
filled  his  dim  eyes. 

"David  has  ordered  the  coach,  your  Excellency," 
said  Dorothy,  "and  Elisha  is  here  to  go  out  with 
us.  The  air  will  do  you  good,  and  all  is  quiet 
toward  the  opposite  side  of  the  town.  Elisha 
wishes  you  to  go,  for  you  have  been  shut  up  so 
long." 

"I'll 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      249 

"I'll  go,"  replied  the  old  man,  "and  may  I  take 
my  little  'Tommy  with  us?" 
"  Yes,  dear  Sir,  we  will  take  him,  if  you  wish  it." 
It  was  near  noon  when  Patrick  Riley  came  to  an 
nounce  that  the  coach  was  ready.  Mr.  Hutchinson^ 
leaning  on  the  arm  of  his  son  Elisha,  and  supported 
by  David  Whittemore,  began  descending  the  stair 
way  carefully. 

"My  breath  comes  with  difficulty  to-day,  "he  said, 
stopping  as  they  reached  the  landing. "  The  air  will 
do  me  good.  Perhaps  I  have  done  wrong  to  think  so 
much  of  the  disturbances  which  surround  me." 
"Think  of  them  no  more,  Father  dear,"  said  Eli- 
sha.  "  They  are  nothing,  and  your  weary  mind  ex 
aggerates  them.  The  troops  have  been  ordered  out. 
And  see,  all  is  quiet  now;  we  shall  hear  no  more  of 
them." 

"Here  we  are,"  said  David  cheerfully.  "Now, 
your  Excellency,  a  few  steps  more  and  we  will  be 
in  the  coach.  Is  this  not  a  beautiful  morning? " 
Riley  had  opened  the  door,  and  the  Governor  had 
one  foot  on  the  step,  when  he  suddenly  put  his 
hand  to  his  head  and  reeled  backwards. 
"  Help  me,"  he  gasped,  as  Riley  caught  him.  They 
carried  him  into  the  servants'  hall,  and  put  him 
in  a  chair.  He  was  breathing  heavily  with  closed 
eyes.  Suddenly  he  opened  them  and  looked  about 
him.  Seeing  Dorothy  he  tried  to  speak,  then  cast 
an  appealing  look  at  her.  She  drew  to  his  side  and 
put  her  face  down  to  his. 

"Yes,  dear  Sir,"  she  said  softly,  "do  you  wish 
something?" 

He 


250      'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

He  made  another  effort.  Slowly  and  in  a  whisper 
he  succeeded  in  making  himself  understood  by  her. 
"Milton! — take  me  to  Milton!  Peggy!  Billy!  " 
His  eyes  closed,  his  head  fell  on  her  shoulder,  and 
with  a  sigh  the  soul  of  'Thomas  Hutchinson  passed 
away. 

"God  grant  that  I  may  die  like  him!"  said  his 
son. 

A  few  days  later  a  little  funeral  procession  stole 
out  of  the  town  unheeded  by  the  mob.  It  moved 
slowly  toward  the  little  church  in  Croydon,  where 
but  a  few  years  before  a  happy  marriage  party  had 
looked  forward  to  a  far  different  future. 
They  laid  him  tenderly  next  to  his  beloved  chil 
dren,  promising  themselves  that  when  all  was  peace 
again,  they  should  be  taken  to  the  burial  ground 
in  Milton,  recalling  the  words  he  had  spoken  in 
life  and  death,  and  which  all  may  read  in  his  dia 
ry:  "Though  I  know  not  how  to  reason  upon  it, 
I  feel  a  fondness  to  lay  my  bones  in  my  native 
soil,  and  to  carry  those  of  my  dear  daughter  with 
me."  Alas!  this  request  was  never  granted. 


THE 


THE  EPILOGUE. 

are  Unravelled  and  a  Knot  is  Tied. 


IN  the  autumn  of  1783,  Thomas  Hutchinson, 
Jr.  left  England  for  France.  With  him  went 
David  and  Dorothy  with  their  two  boys. 
Through  all  the  horrors  of  the  French  Rev 
olution,  they  lived  in  comparative  quiet.  Mr. 
Hutchinson  returned  to  London,  whence  he  went 
to  Heavitree,  near  Exeter,  and  there  spent  the  re 
mainder  of  his  life.  David  and  Dorothy,  however, 
remained  on  the  continent. 
As  the  century  was  closing  they  went  to  Toulouse, 
and  the  two  boys  entered  the  French  army,  where, 
under  the  great  Napoleon,  they  distinguished 
themselves.  Later  they  moved  to  Pau,  and  there 
the  elder,  Thomas,  married  a  beautiful  French  girl; 
but  alas  !  his  life  was  short.  One  son  was  born  to 
him,  whom  he  named  David,  and  shortly  after  at 
the  battle  of  Waterloo  he  fell. 
The  second  son,  Charles,  went  with  Napoleon  to 
Egypt,  and  one  bright  summer's  morning  the 
message  came  that  he  had  died  of  fever,  and  Da 
vid  and  Dorothy  were  left  childless.  No,  not 
childless,  for  they  had  the  little  David,  and  for 
him  alone  they  now  lived. 

It  was  when  this  boy  was  about  twelve  years  of 
age  that  Charles  Doddridge  came  from  America 
to  visit  them.  He  too  was  married,  and  had  chil 
dren.  He  had  been  through  two  wars,  and  bore 
[251]  the 


252      'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

the  title  of  Colonel,  but  was  the  same  Charles  as 
of  old.  What  a  meeting  it  was!  He  tried  to  per 
suade  them  to  return,  but  it  was  too  late.  And  so 
the  old  friends  parted  from  each  others'  sight  ;  but 
with  hearts  that  beat  true  to  one  another  to  the  end. 


The  bugle  had  sounded  the  reveille  on  the  long, 
narrow  Champs  de  Mars  opposite  the  barrack,  and 
the  streets  of  the  little  capital  of  Navarre,  in  the 
Basses-Pyrenees,  were  beginning  to  fill  with  busy 
people  with  their  berets  on  their  heads,  and  their 
wooden  sabots  clanking  over  the  pavements.  The 
market  place  was  already  alive  with  the  peasants 
in  their  homely  costumes,  and  all  was  gay  in  Pau 
on  this  April  morning,  for  Easter  had  just  passed, 
and  it  had  on  put  its  holiday  attire. 
Looking  out  from  the  terrace  in  the  park,  near 
the  grand  old  chateau  where  the  white-plumed 
Henry  first  saw  the  light  of  day,  and  took  from 
his  good  mother,  Jeanne  d*  Albret,  the  cup  of 
wine  which  is  said  to  have  given  him  his  later 
valour,  were  two  young  people.  They  were  gaz 
ing  at  the  lofty  Pic  du  Midi,  as  it  arose  from 
among  the  surrounding  mountains  of  the  Pyre- 
nean  range,  its  point  and  clefts  covered  with  snow 
sparkling  in  the  bright  sun  of  southern  France. 
Below  them  wound  the  little  silvery  Gave,  and 
beyond,  the  valleys  and  rolling  hills  rose  and 
rose  until  they  formed  that  massive  barrier  which 
Roland  alone  with  his  mighty  blast  could  break 
asunder. 

One 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      253 

One  of  the  two  young  people  was  a  man  of  about 
five-and-twenty,  tall  and  fair,  with  deep-set  blue 
eyes;the  other  a  girl  of  perhaps  nineteen  summers, 
dark  and  beautiful.  They  had  both  been  born  and 
brought  up  in  Beam,  and  were  destined  from 
childhood  for  one  another. 
"You  love  me,  Jeanne"  the  young  man  was  say 
ing,  still  looking  toward  the  mountains. 
"You  know  I  do,  my  friend,"  the  girl  replied, 
"I  have  told  you  so  many  times  before.  Have  we 
not  loved  one  another  from  childhood?  You  do 
not  doubt  me  now?" 

He  turned  toward  her  as  she  spoke  and  took  her 
hand.  "How  happy  you  make  me,  cherie"  said 
he,  "and  what  a  joy  you  will  be  to  my  dear  grand 
parents,"  he  added,  looking  at  two  old  people  who 
were  sitting  a  short  distance  from  them.  "How 
beautiful  they  are  in  their  old  age!  You  will  help 
me  to  make  their  last  days  happy.  Come,  we  will 
walk  back  to  them  now." 

"It  is  nearly  two  years  since  we've  heard  from 
Charles's  boy,"  Dorothy  was  saying  as  they  ap 
proached,  looking  up  with  her  old  sweet  smile 
at  her  husband.  "I  should  like  to  hear  from  dear 
old  Milton  again,  for  we  shall  never  see  it  now." 
"I  fear  not,  dearest,"  he  replied,  "but  when  our 
little  David  is  married  we  will  send  him  there, 
and  he  shall  see  it  for  us  and  bring  us  news.  He 
and  Jeanette  need  wait  no  longer.  He  will  be  five- 
and-twenty  soon,  and  they  shall  be  married  on 
his  birthday.  We  will  speak  at  once  to  M.  and 
Madame  de  Foix.  And,"  he  continued,  after  a 
moment's  thought,  "he  shall  then  open  the  old 

box 


254      The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

box  we  have  had  so  long.  The  De  Foix  will  be 
amused  to  hear  what  use  some  one  once  made  of 
the  family  name  so  long  ago.  Ah !  here  they  come. 
Well,  Jeanne,  cherie,  you  are  soon  coming  to  live 
with  the  old  people?  You  will  be  more  than  wel 
come,  and  God  bless  you  both." 
"Yes,  dear  Monsieur,"  said  Jeanne,  looking  down 
and  blushing.  "If  you  and  Madame  wish  it,  I  can 
not  refuse." 

On  the  25th  of  April,  1829,3  little  wedding 
party  sat  in  the  salon  of  the  Villa  des  Roses.  They 
had  just  returned  from  the  religious  ceremony 
in  the  Eg/ise  Reformee,  and  the  young  couple 
were  radiantly  happy.  No  one  was  present  but 
M.  and  Madame  de  Foix. 

"Now,my  dears,"  said  David,  taking  a  box  from 
a  shelf  near  by,  "let  us  conclude  this  happy  day 
with  the  little  gift  and  the  little  story  I  have  prom 
ised  you  so  long.  You  remember  your  Uncle 
Charles  who  visited  us  about  ten  years  ago?  Well, 
when  he  and  I  were  of  about  your  age,  little  Da 
vid,  we  had  a  strange  adventure  in  dear  old  Mil 
ton,  for  we  found  under  Governor  Hutchinson  s 
house  a  secret  passage,  in  which  was  this  old  box. 
I  have  never  had  much  faith  in  its  contents,  but 
not  so  your  uncle.  So  I  promised  him  that  my  old 
est  son  should  open  it  on  his  twenty-fifth  birth 
day,  and  that  his  son  in  turn  should  do  the  same. 
Your  father,  my  boy,"  continued  he,  his  voice 
trembling,  "did  not  Jive  to  open  it,  but  now  on 
this  your  fete  and  wedding-day,  it  is  for  you  to 
do  so."  All  eyes  were  turned  on  the  young  man 
as  he  took  the  box.  He  opened  it  with  some  dif 
ficulty  and  took  out  the  old  parchment. 

"Read 


The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      255 

"Read  it,"  said  his  grandfather,  "it  will  interest 
us."  He  did  as  he  was  bid.  As  he  read  the  eyes 
of  Madame  de  Foix  dilated  and  she  could  hardly 
refrain  from  speaking  till  the  end. 

The  manuscript  began  thus: 

11  Kind  Traveller,  whoever  you  may  be  who  fend  this  Box, 
for  God's  fake  take  it  to  Bordeaux  and  feek  out  Jeanne  de 
Foix  and  give  it  to  her.  He  in  His  Goodnefs  will  repay 
you.  This  is  my  Story:  On  the  5th  of  Auguft,  1565,  /, 
Jean  Jacques  de  Foix,  fet  fa il  from  my  beloved  France 
with  the  Sieur  Jean  Ribault,  and  many  others  of  the  Faith. 
We  fet  our  prow  to  the  Weft,  hoping  to  reach  that  New 
Land  where  in  Peace  and  Love  we  might  live  in  our  Re 
ligion  unmolefled.  Some  brought  their  Families  with  them, 
but  I  left  my  Wife  and  Child  in  Bordeaux  to  await  the 
Spring,  when  I  intended  to  return  to  fetch  them.  Alas  1 
they  are  ftill  waiting,  and  will  never  fee  me  again.  But 
God's  Will  be  done! 

"For  two  long  Months  we  were  upon  the  Stormy  Sea,  when 
at  lajl  we  faw  before  us  the  welcome  Land  that  was  to  be 
our  peaceful  Home.  We  fell  upon  our  knees,  and  devoutly 
thanked  Almighty  God.  And  we  prayed  for  the  good  Sieur 
de  Coligny  who  hadfent  us  to  this  Land  of  Promife.  For 
a  few  weeks  a  II  was  Peace  and  Happinefs,  when  one  morn 
ing  Francois  Briac  faw  upon  the  horizon  the  fails  of  a 
large  Vessel,  which  had  followed  us.  But  alas,  no!  It  was 
the  Spaniard  who  had  come  to  claim  the  Land  that  God 
had  given  to  us.  The  Sieur  de  Ribault  knew  the  Ship  and 
him  who  commanded  it.  It  was  Pedro  Menendez,  as  great 
a  Villain  as  ever  trod  on  Holy  Earth.  Soon,  other  fails  ap 
peared,  and  then  we  knew  that  we  muft  fight.  But  what 
were  we  againft  those  bloody  Men  who  roamed  the  Seas  for 
Plunder  and  Murder?  We  had  come  for  Peace  and  to 

Worjhip 


256     The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Worjhip  our  God  in  our  own  way.  Many  of  us  had  fought 
before,  but  there  were  alfo  Women  and  Children  and  Old 
Men  with  us.  How  can  I  tell  it?  They  were  all  killed, 
murdered,  butchered — -fave  three;  Francois  Briac,  Paul 
Lament,  and  I,  Jean  Jacques  de  Foix.  We  efcaped,  and 

for  many  days  lay  bidden  in  the  Swamps,  threatened  by  the 

great  Monfters  whojwam  the  Waters  fnapping  with  their 

iron  jaws. 

"One  Morning  when  the  Sun  was  rijing,  we  crept  forth 

from  our  hiding  place  and  fet  out  in  fear ch  of  better  Shel 
ter.  We  fed  upon  Fruits  and  drank  of  the  Swamp-Water, 
and  we  toiled  on  until  towards  Night  we  came  to  the  banks 
of  a  Broad  River,  which  flowed  toward  the  Eajt.  We  did 
not  dare  follow  its  Shore,  for  we  might  be  feen,fo  wefwam 
it  and  continued  on  our  Way. 
"And fo  we  went  on,  until  after  a  time  Francois  Briac 

fell  fick  and  died.  We  buried  him,  and  prayed  over  him, 
and  then  Paul  and  I  continued  on  our  Journey. 
"Now  the  Days  began  to  grow  Jhorter  and  the  Weather 
cooler.  We  had  trapped  fame  Game,  and  with  our  Jlints 
made  Fires,  yet  we  had  seen  no  Living  Being.  It  mujt  have 
been  about  three  Months  after  our  Efcape,  that  Paul  had 
gone  in  fearch  of  Food  while  I  was  tending  the  Fire.  Sud 
denly  I  heard  a  Cry,  and  looking  toward  the  Stream  faw 
him  fall  pierced  by  an  Arrow.  The  next  moment  he  was 

furrounded  by  a  band  of  howling  Fiends  who  cut  the  hair 

from  his  Head  and  danced  about  him.  Caring  little  for  my 
own  Fate,  I  rujhed  forward  and  dif charged  my  Arquebus 
at  the  Savages.  With  a  yell  they  fled  in  frightened  Con- 

fujion,  and  I  approached  the  bleeding  Body  of  my  dear 
Friend.  He  was  dead,  and  I  was  alone.  And  yet  not  alone, 
for  I  felt  that  the  good  God  was  with  me  as  He  was  with 
my  two  lojt  Companions,  and  all  thofe  who  had  died  for 
Him.  So  I  faid  a  Prayer  and  gave  Paul  an  humble 

grave, 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      257 

grave,  and  wandered  on  once  more.  Oh,  the  lonelinefs  of  it ! 
For  at  leajt  two  Months  I  wandered,  always  toward  the 
North.  The  Air  began  to  chill  me,  but  God  still  cared  for 
me;  the  fur  of  the  Bear  gave  me  warmth;  and  Fijh  and 
Game,  Food.  Then  as  the  Weeks  pajjed  it  began  to  grow 
^varmer,  and  I  knew  that  Spring-time  had  come.  The  Ber 
ries  ripened  and  the  Birds  began  to  Jing,  and  new  Hope 
came  to  me.  But  my  Heart  was  heavy,  for  the  Time  was 
drawing  near  when  Jeannette  and  little  Pierre  would  be 
awaiting  me;  awaiting  me,  alas  !  in  vain,  never  to  fee  me 
again  on  this  Earth! 

"Andfo  I  wandered  on  and  on,  efcaping  the  Savages  and 
having  no  ferious  Illnefs,  until  about  two  Tears  ago  I 
reached  this  Place.  But  now  the  End  has  come,  and  I  know 
that  my  loft  Hour  is  approaching.  May  God  have  mercy  on 
and  blefs  thofe  for  whom  my  Heart  is  breaking.  Adieu" 

When  he  had  read  the  last  word,  Madame  de 
Foix  leaned  forward,  and  with  a  trembling  voice 
said,  "Now,  my  friends,  let  me  tell  you  some 
thing,  in  my  turn,  that  I  heard  years  and  years 
ago.  It  cannot  fail  to  startle  you  in  connection 
with  what  has  just  been  read.  It  is  this.  In  the 
middle  of  the  sixteenth  century,  a  colony  of  Hu 
guenot  refugees  sent  to  America  by  Coligny  were 
massacred  by  the  Spaniards.  Among  them  was 
one  Jean  Jacques  de  Foix,  my  husband's  direct 
ancestor.  As  you  know,  I  left  Bordeaux  many 
years  ago,  and  I  have  not  thought  of  this  story 
until  to-day.  These  Huguenot  refugees  in  Florida 
were  massacred,  and  it  was  supposed  that  Jean 
Jacques  de  Foix  had  perished  with  them,  but  the 
writer  of  the  parchment  must  have  been  he.  Mon 

Dieu, 


258       'The    GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN. 

Dieu,  how  strange!  It  is  as  if  the  very  dead  were 
come  to  life!" 

They  all  looked  at  each  other  in  amazement,  and 
could  not  speak  for  wonder,  and  Jeanne  drew 
closer  to  her  young  husband. 
After  a  few  moments  David  Whittemore  the  elder 
broke  the  silence  and  related  the  full  story  of  the  se 
cret  passage,  finally  saying, "  To  complete  this  tale 
let  me  read  you  an  extract  from  a  letter  I  received 
this  morning  from  my  nephew  Charles  Doddridge. 
It  is  this:  'The  old  estate  on  Milton  Hill,  which 
was  sold  to  Mr.  S.  many  years  ago,  has  been  un 
dergoing  extensive  repairs,  and  some  strange 
things  have  been  discovered  in  the  course  of  the 
work.  A  few  weeks  since  when  digging  in  the 
cellar,  the  skeleton  of  a  man  was  found  in  the 
mouth  of  what  seemed  to  be  a  subterranean  pas 
sage.  He  had  evidently  fallen  in  head  first,  for 
the  neck  was  broken.  Nothing  was  found  upon 
him  to  identify  him  save  a  seal  on  which  was  cut 
the  letters  E.  J.' 

"Ezra  Jaquith"  said  David,  turning  to  Doro 
thy  with  a  sigh. 

And  the  thoughts  of  these  two  old  people  went 
back  to  Milton  and  the  kind  old  Governor  and 
his  dear  home.  He  was  now  at  peace,  thank  Heav 
en  !  and  had  never  known  what  had  become  of  his 
beloved  garden.  But  Charles  had  told  them  it  was 
in  good  hands,  and  they  were  content. 
And  in  good  hands  the  Governor's  garden  has  re 
mained  until  this  day.  Those  who  own  it  now,  of 
ten  pause  to  think  as  they  walk  along  its  pleached 
alleys,  or  wander  through  the  rambling  old  barns, 

how 


'The   GOVERNOR'S    GARDEN.      259 

how  happy  His  Excellency  must  have  been  there. 

They  would  gladly  welcome  him  back,  and  say, 

"By  the  fortunes  of  war  you  were  driven 

from  this  which  was  yours.  Take  it  for 

your  remaining  days,  and  when 

you  are  gone  we  will  care 

for  it  because  you 

loved  it  so." 

THE  END. 


Date  Due 


PRINTED    IN    U.S.*.  CAT.      NO.      24       161 


7    000550596     1 


